Global Warming: Fact or Fiction? | Editorials by CSS & PMS Aspirants
The following article, “Global Warming: Fact or Fiction?”, is written by Abdul Khaliq Charan, a student of Sir Syed Kazim Ali. Moreover, the article is written on the same pattern, taught by Sir to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. Sir Kazim has uploaded his students’ solved past paper questions so other thousands of aspirants can understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Global warming is no longer a matter of debate but an observable, measurable reality. Yet despite overwhelming scientific consensus, the issue remains entangled in political and economic interests, which fuel unwarranted skepticism. Indeed, the evidence is stark: rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and intensifying natural disasters – all point to an unprecedented environmental crisis. And those who deny or downplay global warming fail to acknowledge the data presented by leading scientific institutions, such as NASA, NOAA, and the IPCC. Thus, as the world edges closer to an ecological tipping point, the consequences would be catastrophic if nations fail to act. So, the pressing dilemma looms large: humanity would take action in time to mitigate the damage, or the world would continuously ignore the alarm bells.
Global Warming, The Fact of Today’s World
Below are the strongest arguments proving global warming is a fact, which is human-induced and already wreaking havoc on the planet.
1-Global Warming is Man-Made
To begin with, the fundamental mechanism behind global warming is the greenhouse effect. Specifically, carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat within the Earth’s atmosphere, gradually increasing global temperatures. Although natural cycles have influenced climate fluctuations over millennia, global warming is indisputably linked to human activities. More importantly, since the Industrial Revolution, burning fossil fuels, rampant deforestation, and industrial emissions have significantly increased atmospheric CO₂ levels. As evidence, the Keeling Curve has tracked CO₂ concentrations since 1958 and shows an undeniable upward trajectory. Furthermore, NASA and NOAA data confirm that global temperatures have risen by approximately 1.2°C since pre-industrial times. Therefore, the last decade has registered the warmest years on record, highlighting the urgency of the crisis.
2-The Rapid Melting of Polar Ice Caps and Glaciers
Moreover, a direct consequence of this warming is the rapid melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. Sadly, the Arctic has lost nearly 40 per cent of its ice since satellite measurements began, contributing to an alarming rise in sea levels. Consequently, coastal communities face existential threats, with some low-lying regions already experiencing increased flooding and land loss. Additionally, thermal expansion due to warming oceans exacerbates the problem, with sea levels rising 8-9 inches since 1880. Thus, millions could be displaced if this trend persists, leading to severe humanitarian and geopolitical crises.
3-Deforestation and the Carbon Footprint
Likewise, deforestation remains one of the largest contributors to climate change. To elaborate, the world loses approximately 10 million hectares of forest annually, which weakens the planet’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Particularly, the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is being decimated at an alarming rate due to illegal logging; agriculture; and urban expansion. Subsequently, the destruction of these natural carbon sinks accelerates atmospheric CO₂ buildup, exacerbating the warming crisis. Moreover, industrial emissions, transportation, and energy production continue to release vast amounts of greenhouse gases. Notably, 75 per cent of global CO₂ emissions since 1970 can be traced back to fossil fuel combustion, highlighting the necessity of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Unfortunately, many nations prioritize short-term economic growth over long-term environmental sustainability, thus driving the planet toward catastrophe.
4-Scientific Consensus and the Fight Against Misinformation
Despite this overwhelming evidence, global warming denial persists, largely due to misinformation campaigns and vested interests. And fossil fuel industries, political lobbying, and media manipulation have fueled public confusion, creating a false perception of scientific disagreement. However, the reality is quite the opposite: 97 per cent of climate scientists agree that human activity is the primary driver of global warming. In fact, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued dire warnings, urging nations to act decisively in reducing emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy sources. But misinformation has thus continued to muddy the waters.
Addressing the Skeptics
However, some sceptics argue that global warming is a natural phenomenon. To some extent, Earth has experienced warming and cooling throughout its history. And the current rate of warming is unprecedented. Indeed, ice core samples and geological records indicate that past climate changes occurred over thousands or even millions of years. In contrast, the current spike in global temperatures has occurred within just over a century, correlating directly with industrialization and the burning of fossil fuels. Another common rebuttal is that scientific consensus on global warming is exaggerated or politically motivated. Detractors often cite a handful of dissenting voices by ignoring the fact that the vast majority of climate experts agree on the issue. Notably, institutions, such as NASA, the World Meteorological Organization, and the National Academy of Sciences, have provided conclusive evidence that human-induced global warming is real. Therefore, the assertion that climate scientists are engaged in a vast conspiracy lacks both logic and credibility. Thus, if anything, the reluctance of governments and corporations to implement necessary policies is evidence of political and economic motives overriding environmental responsibility.
The Urgency of Immediate Action
Given these realities, the time for complacency has long passed. And global warming is not a theoretical debate but an unfolding crisis that demands immediate and decisive action. Undoubtedly, the scientific community has done its part by presenting irrefutable evidence. Now, policymakers, businesses, and individuals must take meaningful steps to mitigate the damage. For instance, transitioning to renewable energy, enforcing stricter environmental regulations, and investing in reforestation programs are just a few of the many measures that must be taken.
Putting forward an ending note, failing to act on global warming would not only accelerate environmental collapse but also trigger devastating socio-economic and political upheaval. Undeniably, this crisis surpasses national borders and threatens global food security, human health, and economic stability. However, despite overwhelming evidence, skepticism persists – delaying urgent action. In fact, the longer humanity hesitates, the more irreversible the damage becomes. Thus, the time for debate is over; the time for action is now. And the choice before humans is clear – either take decisive steps to combat global warming or face the catastrophic consequences of inaction.
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