The Challenges That Global Warming Presents to Both Governments and Business in the UK - Case Study Example

The challenges that global warming presents to both governments and business in UK Name: Professor: Institution: Course: Date: Introduction Global warming refers to a situation where there is an increase in average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere. This happens when the green house gases retain light and heat from the atmosphere resulting to increase in the average temperature (Schneider 1990). They are like a mirror that reflects atmosphere heat energy back to the earth instead of losing it to space. These reflecting back of heat energy by the atmosphere is called the "greenhouse effect". The green house effect can be compared to heat is trapped in a car on a very hot day. The car gets hotter when it is out in the parking lot because the heat and light from the sun can get into the car, by going through the windows, but it can’t get back out which is what the greenhouse effect does to the earth (Cardinale 2002). When the earth heats up, it results to global warming. Currently globally the carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuels are approaching 7 billion per year and rising rapidly. The increase is largely as a result of burning fossil fuels. In the 21st century the levels may escalate to two or three times their present levels unless strong measures are taken. Today, both the local and global environment is at risk. Industrial processes as well as refrigerators that leak emit to the atmosphere chlorofluorocarbons which in turn result to ozone layer degradation (Houghton J 2011 p1). Causes of Global Warming One of the major causes of global warming has been considered to be human activities which increase the emission of certain greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Human activities such as burning of fuels e.g. coal, natural gas, oils and wood, leads to emitting of Carbon Dioxide. Other green house gases are likely to be emitted during transportation and production of oil, natural gases and coal. The raising of livestock as well as decomposition of organic wastes in solid waste landfills has also resulted in the emission of Methane. Agricultural and industrial activities as well as burning of fossil fuels and solid wastes leads to emission of Nitrous Oxide ,a green house gas. Cutting down of trees by human beings have made the situation of global warming worse. Plants collect the Carbon dioxide that we breathe out, and they give back oxygen that we breathe in and with less trees and other plants, such as algae, there is less air for us, and more greenhouse gases are sent into the air (Cardinale 2002) Businesses challenges Insurance: The cost to insure a home within 50 meters of the ocean will rise due to elevation of shorelines. Rates have already been hiked by insurance professionals for properties close to the shoreline and this trend may persist globally. The value of homes along shorelines will decrease any production conducted on shorelines will cost more (Chappell 2011, p 1) Fuels: In many jurisdictions taxes to offset the cost of carbon emissions to the environment have already been introduced. The Governments throughout North America have coined the term "carbon tax" as a cost for protecting the environment(Chappell 2011, p 1) The profitability of petroleum companies will be affected as a result of the increased costs of fuel because people will seek other forms of transportation (Chappell 2011, p 1). Transportation: The number of hybrid and electric cars may be observed as the cost to fill up the tank of gas increases. The depreciation of hybrid cars is slower than vehicles with internal combustion engines. The ever-sophisticated fleet of vehicles will ensure that Car mechanics retrain themselves (Chappell 2011, p 1) Other Risks The price of fresh water is expected to rise resulting to higher value on water efficiency. Due to flash flooding facilities may be in danger and tropical storms are expected to result from warming. There is a likelihood of Government initiating more taxes and pollution penalties (Chappell 2011, p 1) Government challenges Rise in sea level is mainly occurring due to expansion of ocean water as it is heated. This rise may continue for many centuries many millions may be displaced and areas like Bangladesh, southern China, islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans impossible to protect (Houghton J 2011 p1). Extremely unusual heat wave has led to the deaths of many people (Houghton J 2011 p1). Evaporation of water from the surface, water vapour and precipitation. Increased Water Vapour condensation in formation of clouds has increased latent heat release. The hydrological cycle will intensify as the latent heat increase since it is a major source of energy in the atmosphere circulation. There has been a trend of increased rainfall as well as reduced rainfall in the semi-arid areas. From the recently made estimates, it is estimated that by the year 2050 there will be several floods and droughts that will be experienced. Increase of Refugees; changes in water availability, rise in Sea level, and extreme events will result in increased pressure from the environmental refugees. From a recently conducted report, it is estimated that there could be up to 150 million refugees by 2050 as a result of climate change (Houghton J 2011 p1) . Exposure to famine, water shortages, extreme weather conditions and a 20 - 30% loss of animal plant species if we do not reduce the rate of global warming and reduce GHG emissions. Warmer winter’s means longer growing seasons in temperate and subarctic climes. This may allow an additional crop to be planted and harvested each year, or simply making the existing crops more productive (Houghton J 2011 p1). Diseases; the rising temperatures will result in to greater chances of spreading of diseases such as mosquito and tick-borne. Increased exposure to sunlight predicts rise to skin cancer deaths. Food poisoning due to warmer summers: According to the report, it is predicted that food poising case will increase by 15% as a result of increased temperatures (Houghton J 2011 p1). Recommendations The Usage of non-fossil fuel sources of energy for development and exploitation. For example, biomass, solar power i.e. photovoltaic and thermal, hydro, wind, wave, tidal and geothermal energy (Eric et al 2011) By planting more trees, they will be taking up carbon dioxide which would otherwise be emitted in the atmosphere and increase global warming (Eric et al 2011) Purchase of energy efficient and appliances at home or cars. As citizens, we should make it our individual responsibility to shop responsibly, share our vehicles, use bicycles where applicable as well as use ‘green’ electricity (Cardinale 2002) Investing in a Low Carbon Britain by the Government will contribute to the UK’s success in a new low carbon world. The investment should incorporate creation of green jobs (Cardinale 2002) The UK should regulate strict regulations on emissions and waste as well as updating and reviewing them to reflect changes in technology (Eric et al 2011) The Government should offer guidance and practical advice on adaption to climate change through a range of tools and publications (Eric et al 2011) The government should come up with strict rules, regulations and standards to ensure that only environmentally friendly goods and services are circulating across the country (Eric et al 2011) The Clean Air Act made by the Government so there is less air pollution should be strictly supervised. Many of the firms should consider changing the products that they produce which will help reduce this problem. Foam cups and hairspray have been found to have this problem (Eric et al 2011) Businesses should introduce an environmental management system (Eric et al 2011). They can also introduce business travel plan to reduce costs and be more environmentally friendly (Eric et al 2011) Possible ways to cut energy and water use and the amount of waste produced should be encouraged (Eric et al 2011) Packaging of goods should be regulated (Eric et al 2011) Conclusion The world’s average temperature is expected to increase by 2-6 ºC over the 21st century and it will be difficult to adapt to this for both the ecosystems and the human beings. The government of UK has already taken the lead in reducing the global warming by 60% come 2050. Finally, there are simple things that an individual can do to decrease the causes and effects of global warming like decreasing the electric power use, which will not only reducing the global warming problem but also breathing in cleaner air. Also, people can join a carpool which is several people use one car to drive to their place of destination.  This will ensure that that emission of green house gases by cars is reduced to the minimum. The third and easiest prevention method would be to simply recycle References Cardinale K (2002). What is Global warming? Retrieved 11th May 2011, from http://www.encyclomedia.com/global_warming.html Chappell P (2011), Effects of Global warming on businesses Retrieved on 11th May 2011 from http://www.ehow.com/info_8087909_effects-global-warming-business.html Eric,Danny & Herrick J (2011 ) How to Take Action to Reduce Global Warming Retrieved on 11th May 2011 http://www.wikihow.com/Take-Action-to-Reduce-Global-Warming Houghton J (2011), The Challenge of Global Warming - Global challenges need global solutions Retrieved on 11th May 2011 from http://www.st-edmunds.cam.ac.uk/faraday/Issues_Houghton.php Schneider S. H (1990), Global Warming are we entering Green house century? 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