How individuals are responsible for global warming

Global warming is an alarming issue and its increasing rate is impacting the earth
negatively. Literally, global warming, as the term suggests, means the increase in
earth’s average surface temperature. This is also referred to as the greenhouse
effect and is caused by increased carbon dioxide and CFCs emissions.
Since the role of carbon dioxide will be discussed multiple times here, we need to
know why this gas is such a big problem. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas like
nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide, these gases trap heat and prevent it from
escaping into the stratosphere which causes the atmosphere to heat up. Over the
last century, the levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have increased by
48%, simultaneously the average surface temperature of our planet has increased
by 1.0o F. The impact of this major change is dangerous and scary. If we compare
the rate of calamities, the level of oceans and number of droughts and wildfires
today with that of 100 years ago we are bound to see a vast difference. This is
because these are all effects of global warming. Floods and thunderstorms have
become increasingly deadly and severe in the past few decades. An example of
this is the devastating floods which hit several areas of Pakistan, recently in 2022,
following the storms and extensive rain. The rise in sea levels is a result of the
melting of ice sheets. The ocean soaks up most of the heat from global warming
which melts ice sheets and raises sea levels. The number of wildfires, which is
another effect of global warming, has increased in the past few years. In 2020,
California suffered the largest wildfire in its history which destroyed more than 4
million acres of land and is noted as one of the deadliest wildfires.

Often people ask, “How am I contributing to global warming?” and say, “One
person’s actions do not affect the whole world” etc. but that’s not true, one
person’s actions can make a change for the better or for worse. To know how to
minimize your part in global warming you need to know, firstly, what its causes
are and then how you’re contributing. The emission of CFCs. Chlorofluorocarbon
(cfc) molecules cause depletion of ozone layer which contributes to global
warming. CFCs are produced largely by refrigerators and ACs and by aircraft.
The burning of fossil fuels is the single largest contributor to global warming, as
discussed above it produces a lot of carbon dioxide. Daily, without knowing,
individuals are using fossil fuels. In cars, petrol is burned. So every time you travel
by your personal car you’re contributing to global warming, this is why everyone
should use public transport more often. Plus avoid using aircraft to travel short
distances, since it’s the most polluting form of transport and is responsible most
for adding to the carbon footprint. Another item which has become harmful to
the planet is plastic, it takes a long time to decompose and its way of disposal is
committing harm to our environment. To reduce pollution one should use items
which are sustainable and can last a long time, and be reused and recycled. Such
as paper and cloth bags, glass or metal bottles etc.
The problem of global warming requires a solution and the only solution present
in today’s time is your attention, carefulness, and taking charge and action. Your
actions, as an individual and as a community and nation, have caused the issue
and it’s your responsibility to minimize it as much as you can! This planet is our
home and it’s suffering at the expense of our actions, it deserves better. So it’s
time to take responsibility and actions!