Dangers Pollution and Fossil Fuels

Tristan Biesinger
November 17, 2017
 In 1992, 1700 of the worlds top leading scientists, many of them Nobel Prize winners,
issued a warning to humanity. This warning cautioned humanity on the dangers and stresses
that were facing the environment. Even though the warning was given with a great amount of
evidence and statistics, few people listened. Now 25 years later, the same top scientists have felt
compelled to issue a new warning regarding the dangers to the environment and what can be
done to conserve the environment and natural habitats.
The atmosphere plays a crucial role in supporting life on earth. It traps heat, keeping
Earth at a comfortable temperature for sustaining life. In addition to this constant temperature
range, the oxygen within the atmosphere is another essential component for sustaining life.
However, specialists have said that due to the continued use of fossil fuels and the emissions
they produce, air pollution is becoming a greater risk for humanity. Air pollution and acid rain
have been proven to cause injury to not only humans but also forests, livestock, and agriculture.
Pollution is not only threatening our atmosphere and food supply; the continuing decrease in
water resources has also been attributed to the effects of pollution. Resources for clean water are
so severely impacted that some countries have experienced severe water shortages. Experts
estimate that this clean water shortage impacts close to 40% of the worlds population.
Pollution and the rising temperatures are also causing a loss of productivity from soil.
The lack of good soil has led to land abandonment rates that are dangerously high. Since 1945
11% of the earths vegetated surface has been degraded an area larger than India and China
combined.(CNET) The high rate of abandoned land is due to farmers relocating to land with
soil that is rich with nutrients. Sadly, choice soil for productivity is being taken from the forest as
farmers and other businesses continue to encroach on forest land. Deforestation is occurring at
very high rates, causing even more climate change. Many specialists fear that within a few years
some critical forest types will be gone and most tropical rain forests will also be gone by the end
of the next century. Included with the loss of most tropical rainforests are the plants and animals.
This is a significant blow to the ecosystem because a loss of a specie is irreversible. Specialists
say that by the year 2100, one-third of all species now living will cease to exist. This would have
a great effect on humanity as humanity and its existence is dependent upon the balance of the
ecosystem.
Pollution and deforestation are both caused by humankind. Humankind is arguably one of
the greatest threats to Earth. As the population of people continues to increase at such a high rate,
the earth simply cannot keep up on providing resources. Greater population totals for humans
mandate limited living space, limited resources, and because of the continued use of fossil fuels
decreased clean air. The earth is a magnificent planet that has the ability of absorbing waste,
providing food and energy resources, and sustaining various forms of life. Despite how
extraordinary earth may seem, it is not immortal and has its limits. Because of the growing
population, the earth is quickly approaching these limits.
With the facts and ideas provided above in mind, it is important to realize that there are
solutions to the problems, but it is vital that, as humans, we must make sure we are aware of
these issues. Though it may seem that many of these issues could take a lot of effort and a lot of
time there are some proposed ideas, tips, and proposed changes for individuals and big
businesses to consider. These methods could help to combat the pressing issues described above.
Below are what large organizations are doing and what we can do as individuals to make the
environment better than it has been for years.
 Recently, scientists have made a breakthrough with cleaning up harmful gases in the
atmosphere. Researchers have found that replanting trees in harvested forest areas has proven to
significantly reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The Woods Hole Research Center in
Falmouth, Massachusetts announced last week 100 billion tons of carbon equivalent to roughly
ten years of fossil fuel emissions could be stored in forests. To do so, we would need to end
deforestation and encourage the regrowth of 500 million hectares of forests that have been
degraded by piecemeal logging. (New Scientist). This may be one of the most promising finds
in efforts to clean up the atmosphere. However, it is not the only method that has been
introduced.
Many engineers and researchers are very excited about the new developments that have
been made which will assist in the cleaning of the atmosphere. In Zurich, Switzerland engineers
have developed the first-ever, Commercial-Scale Direct Air-Capture Facility. This facility may
only be the first but is quickly making its way around the world with several projected facilities
scheduled to open in various countries including a facility in Huntsville, Alabama in the year
2018. The process of cleaning the atmosphere with these Commercial-Scale Direct Air-Capture
Facilities is a fairly-simple method. The carbon in the atmosphere is captured and then pumped
2,000 feet underground into volcanic rock. Once there, this carbon reacts to the carbonate
material. Though the developments look promising, it is far from be the best option as it is said
that the pilot plant processes a mere 900 tons of carbon dioxide each year. Soaking up just 1%
of the global carbon dioxide emission would require 300,000 plants (NBC News). Though this
process still lacks the efficiency needed to make a significant impact, experts are very optimistic
about the recent breakthrough.
In addition to these groups of specialists, many companies have invested tons of
resources, time, and money in making our atmosphere cleaner. For example, many airline
companies have invested millions of dollars to develop new engines that will decrease the
amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. This is an important step for major airlines
seeing as how aviation alone is a major contributor in carbon emissions. Aviation accounts for
about 2% of global greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through the burning of jet fuel. Airlines
have a built-in incentive to reduce climate emissions because when they do so, they reduce fuel
use, which for many airlines is the number one cost of operation. (Huffington Post)
Through public service announcements, documentaries, articles, etc. we are constantly
being warned and educated to do our part to decrease greenhouse gases and protect the
environment, but just how great of an impact can we make? Despite the recent breakthroughs
and developments in efforts to clean the atmosphere, we must remember that we as human
beings have an obligation to cut down on our personal energy use and overall wastefulness. It is
our duty to conserve on the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. There are
many resources that offer good suggestions on how we can take measures to reduce our carbon
footprint. One easy suggestion would be to eat locally produced and organic foods. This cuts
down on the amount of emissions needed to transport and produce our food. If humanity were to
work together through simple measures, we would make the progress necessary to increase the
life of our planet and its valuable resources needed to sustain our existence.
 Literature Cited

Amanda Kooser. 2017 Scientists issue new 'Warning to Humanity'. CNET

Fred Pearce. 2017. Planting trees could mop up ten years worth of greenhouse gases. News Scientist
Corey S. Powell. 2017. Can a Carbon Vacuum Cleaner Save the Planet?. NBC News
John Mandyk. 2017. Doubling Air Travel Sustainably: From Today to 2030. Huffington
Post
 Reflection

In writing this assignment I was amazed to find realize the importance it was to work on
environmental conservation. I was always aware of the importance of keeping our planet clean
but after doing some research and seeing the numbers first hand I was astonished. I am now more
mindful of taking measures to ensure the wellbeing of the environment.
This paper was also good experience for my other classwork. Being in college writing
research papers are a regular assignment and it is always beneficial when I am given the
opportunity to practice my research and writing skills.