The Adverse Effects of Global Warming

Global warming is the adverse effect of human activity on the planet's temperature. This is caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), which are the result of a larger social structural formation.

In the United States, we use fossil fuels to generate more than two-thirds of our electricity. 51% of the fossil fuels are coal- 15% are generated with natural gas, and 3% are generated with petroleum.

The increase of these three non-reusable resources has led to unusually hot summers and cold winters and the rise of allergies, among many other unintended consequences.

There are many correlations between urbanization and pollution. Many examples exist where companies are now cutting down trees to build new houses when houses already exist; other companies have conducted extensive logging and mining operations in rain forests to cultivate seemingly insignificant things such as granite countertops and imported woods, as well.

In addition to this, many in the work force must make one to two hour commutes daily to get to work, which enhances carbon dioxide emissions. This is also a complete waste of gas.

The two main structural components to Global Warming are the role of the economy- which requires a huge amount of energy expenditure, and the prevalence of chronic urbanization.

The refusal of global governments to take meaningful action against global climate change has also become problematic.

Due to Lobbyists influencing the national government and the all-around ineffectiveness of national efforts, the Environmental Movement has been considered a "Failure" by noted activist and former vice president Al Gore.

*The Weather- Unusual warmth and water shortages in Australia and California

*Health Effects- Cancer and Asthma cases increasing in Western New York

*Logging/Drilling/Mining of National forests (a divisive issue)

*Chemical pollution from Power Plants

*Collapse of coastal fisheries due to lack of fishing regulations

Industrialization and urbanization have now ushered in new social problems that extend beyond the environment as well.

The increased use of energy to power machines, computers, planes, and power plants has led to a cultural divide as well.

In relation to urbanization, a city should grow proportionally to the county it is situated in.

The cultural reputation of a city influences its business desires. Once a city is spread too far however, the unintended effect of suburban sprawl from commuting can also lead to global warming.

There are four major power sources people around the world are exploring in order to curb dangerous carbon dioxide emissions. In some cases, these resources have revitalized communities and their local economy.

Wind turbines try to capture wind power or kinetic energy for heat and electricity purposes. As of 2009, wind energy accounts for 1% of the world's total energy production.

Its benefits are that it is clean energy, renewable energy and freely available; its limitations are that in cannot be used in low valleys without wind and must be put in a remote location due to sound problems.

Wind essentially is the uneven heating of earth and wind is more prevalent along coastal shores. Because of this, the cost of building wind turbines can be expensive do to the premium on waterfront property.

Solar power is an older from of green energy. It was used in space travel during the 1950s. Solar Thermal energy is created when scientists use the sun to heat up water. From there, the water turns to steam, which creates a renewable form of energy.

Solar Photovoltaic energy uses this same approach in order to create electrical energy.

Its benefits are that it is quite effective in arid deserts and parts of the Middle East. In addition to this, solar energy can help power your home, cell phone or even a calculator.

Its limitations are that ultimately, it is an ineffective form of energy. Oil is still a far more efficient form of energy than solar, or even wind power is.

Hydroelectric power is created by diverting water and turning it into a renewable energy source. Water is always available, so supply will never become problematic.

However, the limitation to this energy source is that is has now become threatened by global warming. The green energy industry in general, has been effected by global warming.

Geothermal power is created through heat underneath the earth's surface. This eliminates the distracting presence of wind turbines and huge solar panels that have been increasingly dotting our landscape.

However, this form of alternative energy cultivation is extremely expensive.

Unregulated urban planning and global overpopulation has led to this predicament to find safer, more environmentally sound energy resources.

Although clean coal technology has been explored in New York state, there are still unusual examples of scientific abnormalities located by coal plants, such as, combustible rocks, epilepsy and young cancer rates, due to toxicity.

It is a politically convenient rationale to ignore these facts and there is no longer a clear distinction between what policy makers say they will do about it, compared to what has actually been accomplished.

However, these unnatural burdens that have created global warming will never be resolved if more legislation is not implemented to improve the biospheres of the world. The need for institutional framework regarding Global Warming needs to be addressed immediately.

Interest groups and Lobbyists have hurt average citizens' attempts to accomplish any meaningful change.

In the meantime, Human well-being can best be advanced by liberating ourselves from the strains of global warming by riding our bikes to work or exploring alternating energy sources such as solar power.

Not only will this help the individual, it can also give the community they live in a needed boost to their economy by supporting alternative energy resource organizations.