Trial Essay

Q2: essay

Over the last few years, thousands of scientist around the world gathered at IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes) to study the issues on the global warming. Based on the research and journals of the increasing temperatures on the earth surface and some natural scenarios related to global warming, they then came into a conclusion that global change is indeed occurring, even though it is unequivocal worldwide (Riebeek, 2007). Global warming is a significant issue that is happening worldwide. The evidences come from the shifting habitats of wildlife, dramatic melting of the Arctic ice cap and increased heat waves and wild fire and more intense storms (“Global Warming,” n.d.).
Firstly, some studies have shown that half of the species are undergoing shifting pole ward or other responses, due to global warming. It is because that global warming induces changes in rainfalls, temperature, food availability, which have a significant effect on the survival of wildlife. As a result, many plants and animals change their range or behaviors. For example, reports from botanical garden worldwide showed that flowers are blooming several weeks ahead of schedule. What’s more, many animals that used to hibernate are now waking much earlier than usual. That’s how natural species react in response to climate change (“Shifting habitat due to climate change,” n.d.).
Secondly, the average temperature in Arctic region is rising twice as fast as they are elsewhere in the world; and its ice is melting and getting thinner, because of global warming. The disappearing glaciers and ice caps do both harm locally and globally. On one hand, rising temperatures and melting glaciers change the natural environment; consequently, the wildlife, plants are changing their feeding and mitigation patterns. It makes the natives more difficult to hunt and live. On the other hand, melting glaciers and land-based ice sheets also contribute to rising sea levels which results in the mitigation of coastal living people and animals towards inner continents; and disappearing ice caps also accelerate global warming. Snow and ice usually serve as a protective and cooling layer. Without enough glaciers, the earth receives more sunshine and absorbs more heat. Consequently, the earth surface temperature keeps on rising (“Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice,”2005).
Thirdly, climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in the Midwest America. In recent years, the destructive wildfires continue to spread in the Western America, together with increased drought. According to Georgia Tech scientist Peter Webster (“Intense storm blames on heat”), who this year reported that rising ocean temperatures worldwide are directly linked to a 35-year trend of increased hurricane strength. Global warming is fueling more and intense storms. Because rising temperature warms the ocean and accelerates the water evaporation. Thus, intense storms are more likely to happen.
In summary, global warming is happening. The evidences come from wildlife shifting habitats, dramatic melting in Arctic ice caps and intensive heat waves, wildfires and storms. In order to make our earth a better home, we should work together to protect our environment.


References:

Riebeek,H.(2007, May 11). Global Warming. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/GlobalWarmingUpdate/
Global Warming. (n.d.) Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_category.aspx?id=112
Shifting Habitat Due to Climate Change. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2008, from http://www.patagonia.com/usa/patagonia.go?assetid=28123
Global Warming Puts the Arctic on Thin Ice. (2005, November 22). Retrieved November 8 2008, from http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/qthinice.asp
Biello, D. (2007, December 5). Thunder, Hail,Fire: What Does Climate Change Mean for the U.S.? Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=thunder-hail-fire-what-does-climate-change-mean-for-us
Nesmith, J. (2006, June 23). Intense storm blamed on heat. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from http://www.palmbeachpost.com/storm/content/world/epaper/2006/06/23/m1a_WARMING_0623.html