The advent of the industrial revolution began to see a progressive rise in the advancement of technology and development, which ushered an era of landmarks in science and engineering. The early 19th century was witness to expansion of the automobile industry, industrial research, demand for goods and services which boosted trade and trading amongst nations. All of the above saw an increased dependence on various modes of transport and the consumption of energy resources. Rapid industrialization brought in economic progress which resulted in the production of goods and services, however, it also had an alarming effect on the environment. Temperatures across geographical zones soared as never felt before, and seasons not lasting the usual number of months, all of which affect the health of living beings. This phenomenon of increasing temperatures on the earth’s surface is known as ‘global warming’.
Global warming is caused as a result of carbon-dioxide emission and other harmful gases viz., CFC (Chloro Fluoro Carbon) into the earth’s atmosphere, and, ultimately laps up the ozone layer that shields the earth from the harmful radiation of the sun. Studies carried out by environmental monitoring agencies reveal, that, on average there is an increase of one degree Celsius for every decade. The rise in temperatures harms the earth’s landscape, which has a visible effect across receding shorelines, rising sea levels, melting glaciers of the Arctic region, etc. Experts forewarn the depletion of natural resources as a result of global warming, and, hence it is the prime advocacy of every individual and government to safeguard and campaign for a better environmental ecosystem. It is a mammoth and complicated task which has become the responsibility of every generation to arrive yet.
At a micro level, some of the measures that individuals and NGOs could adopt are to campaign and support government initiatives. While at a macro level, governments could partner with experts and research institutions, to enact meaningful policies governed by legislative acts. To enforce these policies, monitoring agencies could be established at zonal levels. From time to time, environment audits ought to be carried out, to ensure and adhere to global compliance.
It should also be the collective responsibility of automobile companies to promote the use of alternative fuels to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Automobile companies, chemical, and fertilizer companies have a huge role to control the harmful effects of pollution. The same also applies to other kinds of manufacturing industries and those companies that are too labor-intensive.
One of the major causes of pollution is lax laws, and the penalty for deviation must be held in severity.
Global warming is a universal concern to highlight issues and initiatives. Diplomats and nation heads hold regular summit talks to address the challenges posed to the environment. Eminent speakers and distinguished contributors are recognized for their valuable work in environmental science and engineering, and hence the cause to carry on the daunting task is taken ahead.