Global Warming – A Threat to Mankind | Imtimakla, Nagaland University, Lumami

Nature has provided all the basic human necessities yet, mankind are misusing the advantages bestowed by nature. The ill effects of human activities are causing a lot of havoc on earth destroying human life and the balance in nature.

Global warming is caused mainly by an increase in the greenhouse gases, due to deforestation, desertification, environmental pollution by various agents etc.

Continuous production of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) gas is the biggest demon responsible for global warming, which is manifested in the continuous rise in the level of Earth’s temperature. In fact, gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur, CFCs, and methane are responsible for global warming. The continuous burning of fossil fuels leads to an increase in the carbon dioxide level. CO2, which is itself a greenhouse gas, causes a warming effect on the earth’s surface area by increasing the evaporation of water into the atmosphere due to heating.

Over-exploitation of natural resources, coupled with population growth, technological advancement, industrialization and urbanization are also leading to an increase in the production of these gases. Even when we cook food, we produce a huge amount of CO2. We are over-utilizing technologies, burning fossil fuels, coal, lubricate, and gas. When gasoline is burned in internal-combustion motor of automobiles, it produces huge emission. Besides, Sulphur has formed a cluster resulting in adverse impact on environmental pollution. Effects of global warming have resulted in rise in the sea level due to melting of polar ice caps and glaciers are shrinking at a rapid rate.

Climate change is impacting human rights in many ways, and if proper action is not taken, the risk to human life, climate and nature will become much worse. These forced environmental immigrations have deprived refugees from many human rights. We all have the right to adequate housing and living but floods and droughts have destroyed peoples’ homes, therefore, they are leaving their lands and moving to new places with no income source and limited food products. Health, a main determinant of life, is extremely affected that is reflected in emergence and spread of tremendous diseases that is not only affecting the quality of life but has made survival difficult in this environment. These contagious diseases that spread from one person to another have made the acceptance of these refugees in the community a bit terrifying.

If mankind continues misusing natural resources and steps are not taken to slow down global warming, life on earth will slowly deteriorate, natural disasters will occur frequently and at a very intense rate which might destroy human existence completely. So, we should take the responsibility of living a careful life and preserving our entire natural heritage. We should induce steps to decrease greenhouse emissions, reduce sea-level related risks, decrease the ratio of global population exposed to water stress. There should be more planting of trees as it prevents the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Global warming is a threat to the life of humans and animals. Let us come together and work to save our mother earth before it is too late.