GLOBAL WARMING

GLOBAL WARMING

Illegal Logging

Illegal logging or illegal logging is the activity of harvesting, transportation and sale of timber that is unlawful or do not have permission from local authorities. Although the numbers must be difficult to obtain because the activity itself is not illegal, several reliable sources indicate that more than half of all logging activities in the world occur in the following areas: the Amazon River  basin, Central Africa, Southeast Asia, Russia and some countries- Balkan countries

The fact of illegal logging

• A joint study between the United Kingdom with Indonesia in 1998 indicated that approximately  40% of all logging is illegal, with values reaching 365 million U.S. dollars more recent study comparing the illegal logging by domestic consumption plus export indicates that 88% of all logging activities are is illegal logging. Malaysia is a country where the transit of illegal timber products from Indonesia.

• In Brazil, 80% of logging in the Amazon violate government regulations. Corruption then becomes the center of all activities on illegal logging. Wood products in Brazil is often termed a "green gold" because the price is even (mahogany wood worth 1600 U.S. dollars per meter kubiknya). Illegal mahogany opens the way for illegal logging for other species and for the wider  exploitation in the Amazon.

Global Warming

Global warming is the increasing incidence of the average temperature of the atmosphere, ocean and the Earth's land. Global average temperature at Earth's surface has increased by 0.74 ° C ± 0:18 (1:33 ± 0:32 ° F) during the last hundred years. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that "most of the increase in global average temperatures since the mid-20th century, most likely caused by increased concentrations of greenhouse gases caused by human activity through the greenhouse effect.

Natural phenomena such as variations in the sun along with a volcano can cause some warming  effect from pre-industrial period until the year 1950 and slightly cooling effect from 1950 until now.

These basic conclusions have been advanced by at least 30 scientific and academic bodies, including all the national science academies of the G8 nations. However, there are still some scientists who disagree with some of the IPCC conclusions are presented. Climate models project that was used as reference by the IPCC shows global surface temperature will rise 1.1 to 6.4 ° C (2.0 to 11.5 ° F) between 1990 and 2100. The existence of several different results caused by the use of differing scenarios of emissions of greenhouse gases in the future as well due to the models with differing climate sensitivity. Although most research focuses on the period up to 2100, warming and sea level rise is expected to continue for more than a thousand years if greenhouse gas emission levels have been stable. [1] This reflects the large heat capacity of the oceans.

Increasing global temperature is expected to lead to other changes such as sea level rise, increased intensity of extreme weather events, and changes in the number and pattern of precipitation. Consequences of global warming are another character of agricultural output, loss of glaciers and the extinction of various animal species.

Some of the things that scientists are still doubtful about the amount of warming predicted to occur in the future, and how warming and the changes that occur will vary from one region to another. Until now there is still political and public debate in the world about what, if any, action should be taken to reduce or reverse further warming or to adapt to the consequences of existing. Most governments of the world's countries have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol, which leads to a reduction in emissions of greenhouse gases.

Causes of global warming

Greenhouse effect

All sources of energy contained in the Earth comes from the sun. Most of the energy in the form of short-wave radiation, including visible light. When this energy on the surface of the Earth, it turns from light into heat that warms the Earth. Earth's surface, will absorb some of the heat and reflecting back the rest. Some of this heat as long wavelength infrared radiation into outer space. But some of the heat remains trapped in the earth's atmosphere due to deposition amount of greenhouse gases such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, and methane which trap the waves of this radiation. These gases absorb and reflect back the radiation waves emitted by the Earth and consequently the heat is stored in the Earth's surface. This happens repeatedly and result in annual average temperature of the earth continues to rise.

These gases function as glass in a greenhouse. With the increasing concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, the more heat is trapped underneath.

Actually, the greenhouse effect is very much needed by all living things on earth, because without it, this planet will become very cold (up to -180 C) [5] so the ice will cover the entire surface of the Earth. However, due to the amount of these gases have been an excess in the atmosphere, global warming consequences.

Measuring global warming

In early 1896, scientists assumed that the burning of fossil fuels will change the composition of the atmosphere and can increase the global average temperature. This hypothesis was confirmed in 1957 when researchers working on global research program of the International Geophysical Year, took samples of the atmosphere from the top of Mauna Loa mountain in Hawaii.

Measurements showed an increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration. After that, the  composition of the atmosphere continues to be measured carefully. The data collected indicate that indeed an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The scientists also have long suspected that the global climate getting warmer, but they are unable to provide appropriate evidence. Temperatures continue to vary from time to time and from one location to another location. Need many years of climate observations to obtain data that showed a tendency (trend) is clear. Note in the late 1980s showed a little of this warming trend, but statistics are few and can not be trusted. Weather station at first, located near urban areas so that the temperature measurement will be influenced by the heat emitted by buildings and vehicles, and also the heat stored by the building and road materials. Since 1957, data obtained from a reliable weather station (located far from urban areas), and from satellites. These data provide a more accurate measurement, especially at 70 percent of the planet's surface covered with oceans. These data more accurately indicated that the surface of the Earth's warming actually occurred. If seen in the late 20th century, noted that the ten warmest years over the last hundred years occurred after 1980, and the three hottest years occurred after 1990, with 1998 being the hottest.

In a report issued in 2001, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concluded that global air temperature has risen 0.6 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit) since 1861. The panel agreed that the warming is mainly caused by human activities that add greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The IPCC predicts an increase in the average global temperature will rise 1.1 to 6.4 ° C (2.0 to 11.5 ° F) between 1990 and 2100.

The IPCC panel also warned that although the concentration of gases in the atmosphere has not increased since the year 2100, the climate continued to warm up during a certain period due to emissions that have been released previously. Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for a hundred years or more before nature can absorb it again. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, experts predict, karbondioksioda concentrations in the atmosphere can be increased up to threefold in the early 22 th century when compared to the period before the industrial era. As a result, there will be dramatic climate changes. Although the actual events of this climate change has occurred several times throughout the history of Earth, humans will face this problem with the risk of a very large population.

Impact of global warming

The scientists used computer models of temperature, precipitation patterns, and circulation of the atmosphere to study global warming. Based on this model, scientists have made several forecasts about the impact of global warming on weather, higher sea levels, coastal, agricultural, wildlife and human health.

Weather

Scientists estimate that over global warming, northern regions of the Northern hemisphere (Northern Hemisphere) will heat up more than other regions in the Earth. Consequently, the icebergs will melt and the mainland will be reduced. Will be less ice floating in the waters of the North. Areas that previously experienced light snow, probably will not experience it again. In the mountains in subtropical areas, snow-covered part will be less and will melt faster. Planting season will be longer in some areas. Temperatures in the winter and at night would tend to increase.

Warmer regions will become more humid as more water evaporates from the ocean. Scientists do not yet quite sure whether the moisture is actually going to increase or reduce the warming even further. This is because water vapor is a greenhouse gas, so that its presence will increase the insulation effect on the atmosphere. However, more moisture will also form more clouds that reflect sunlight back into space, where this will decrease the heating process (see the water cycle). High humidity will increase rainfall, on average, about 1 percent for each degree Fahrenheit warming. (Rainfall in the entire world has increased by 1 percent in the last hundred years). Storms will become more frequent. In addition, the water will evaporate from the soil faster. As a result, some areas will become drier than before. Winds will blow harder and perhaps with a different pattern. Hurricane storm (hurricane) that obtain power from the evaporation of water, will become larger. Contrary to the warming that occurred, some very cold period will probably happen. Weather patterns become more unpredictable and extreme.

Sea surface height

As the atmosphere warms, the ocean surface layer will also be warmer, so the volume will expand and raise the sea level. Warming will also melt much glacier ice, especially around Greenland, further swelling the sea. Of sea level worldwide has increased by 10 - 25 cm (4 - 10 inches) during the 20th century, and IPCC scientists predict a further rise of 9 to 88 cm (4 to 35 inches) in the 21st century.

Changes in sea level will affect coastal life. Increase of 100 cm (40 inches) will sink 6 percent of Dutch regions, 17.5 percent of the area of Bangladesh, and many islands. Erosion of cliffs, beaches, and dunes will increase. When the high seas to reach the estuary of the river, flooding due to high water will rise on the mainland. Rich countries will spend huge funds to protect coastal areas, while poor countries may only be able to evacuate from coastal areas.

Even a modest rise in sea level will greatly change coastal ecosystems. Increase of 50 cm (20 inches) will immerse half of the coastal marshes in the United States. New marshes will also be formed, but not in urban areas and areas that have been built. This sea-level rise will cover much of the Florida Everglades.

Agriculture

One might assume that a warmer Earth would produce more food than ever before, but it is actually not the same in some places. Southern Canada, for example, may benefit from higher rainfall and more length of planting. On the other hand, semi-arid tropical agricultural land in some parts of Africa may not be able to grow. Desert agricultural areas that use irrigation water from distant mountains may suffer if the snowpack (a collection of snow) winter, which serves as a natural reservoir, will melt before the peak of the months of planting. Food crops and forests may be susceptible to insect and disease attacks more powerful.

Animals and plants

Animals and plants are living things that are difficult to avoid the effects of warming because most of the land has been controlled by humans. In global warming, animals tend to migrate toward the poles or up the mountain. Plants will change the direction of its growth, find new areas for the duration of habitat becomes too warm. However, human development will prevent this transfer. The species that migrate north or south is blocked by the cities or agricultural lands may be dead. Some types of species that are not able to rapidly move toward the poles may also be destroyed.

Human health

In a world of warm, scientists predict that more people are dying from disease or die from heat stress. Outbreaks of diseases commonly found in tropical areas, such as diseases caused by mosquitoes and other disease-carrying animals, will be more widespread because they can move into areas previously too cold for them. Currently, 45 percent of world population lives in areas where they may be bitten by mosquitoes carrying the malaria parasite; percentage will increase to 60 percent if temperatures rise. Other tropical diseases also can be spread like malaria, such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and encephalitis. Scientists also predict rising incidence of allergies and respiratory diseases as warmer air will increase pollutants, mold spores and pollen.

The debate about global warming

Not all scientists agree about the circumstances and consequences of global warming. Some analysts still question whether the temperature actually increased. Others recognize the changes that have occurred but denied that it is still too early to make predictions about the circumstances in the future. Such criticism can also argue the evidence shows the human contribution to global warming by arguing that the natural cycle can also increase the temperature. They also point out the facts that the continuous heating can be advantageous in some areas.

The scientists who question global warming tends to show three differences between the prediction model is still questionable with the behavior of global warming is actually happening on the climate. First, warming tends to stop for three decades in the mid-20th century; even a cooling period before the rise again in the 1970s. Second, the total warming over the 20th century only about half of that predicted by the model. Third, the troposphere, the lowest atmospheric layer, does not heat up as fast as the model prediction. However, supporters believe there is global warming can answer two of the three questions.

Lack of heating at mid-century due to the large spread of air pollution particulate-particulate matter, especially sulfates, into the atmosphere. These particulates, also known as aerosols, reflect some sunlight back into space. Sustained warming finally overcome this effect, partly because of the control of pollution that causes air to be cleaner.

State of global warming since 1900 that were not as predicted due to the large heat absorption by the oceans. Scientists have long predicted this but do not have enough data to prove it. In 2000, U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides a new analysis of water temperature as measured by observers around the world during the last 50 years. The measurement results show the warming trend: the world of sea temperature in the year 1998 higher than 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.3 degrees Fahrenheit) than the average temperatures the last 50 years, but there was little change significantly.

The third question is still confusing. Satellites detect fewer than the predicted warming in the troposphere model. According to some critics, the reading of the atmosphere is right, while the measurement of the surface of the Earth's atmosphere can not be trusted. In January 2000, a panel appointed by the National Academy of Sciences to discuss this issue recognize that the warming Earth's surface can not be doubted. However, measurements of the lower troposphere of the prediction model can not be explained clearly.

Controlling global warming

Total consumption of fossil fuels in the world increased by 1 percent per year. Steps taken or currently being discussed that no one can prevent global warming in the future. The challenge today is to overcome the effects that may arise while performing these steps to prevent further climate change in the future.

Severe damage can be overcome in various ways. Coastal areas can be protected by walls and barriers to prevent entry of sea water. Alternatively, the government can help the population in coastal areas to move to higher ground. Some countries, such as the United States, can save plants and animals while maintaining the corridor (line) habitat, clearing land for construction from south to north. The species can gradually move along this corridor to go to a colder habitat. 

There are two main approaches to slow down the increasing greenhouse gases. First, prevent the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by storing the gas or its carbon component somewhere else. This method is called carbon sequestration (removing carbon). Second, reducing greenhouse gas production.

Eliminate carbon

The easiest way to remove carbon dioxide in the air is to maintain trees and plant more trees. Trees, especially young and fast growing, absorb very much carbon dioxide, breaking through photosynthesis and store carbon in wood. Around the world, the level of forest encroachment has reached an alarming level. In many areas, the plants that grow back very little because the soil loses its fertility when modified for other uses, such as for agriculture or housing development. Steps to overcome this is to reforestation that play a role in reducing the increasing greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide gas can also be eliminated directly. You do this by injecting (injecting) the gas into oil wells to stimulate the oil out to the surface (refer to Enhanced Oil Recovery). Injection can also be done to isolate this gas under the land such as in oil wells, coal layer or aquifer. This has been done in one of Norway's offshore drilling rig, where the carbon dioxide brought to the surface with natural gas was captured and injected back into the aquifer so it can not go back to the surface.

One source contributor of carbon dioxide is the combustion of fossil fuels. Use of fossil fuels began to increase rapidly since the industrial revolution in the 18th century. At that time, coal became the dominant energy source for later replaced by oil in the mid-19th century. In the 20th century, began regular use of gas energy in the world as an energy source. The change trend of fossil fuel use is actually indirectly have reduced the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air, because the gas release less carbon dioxide compared to oil, especially when compared with coal. Nevertheless, the use of renewable energy and more nuclear energy to reduce the release of carbon dioxide into the air. Nuclear energy, although controversial for reasons of safety and hazardous waste, not even completely remove the carbon dioxide.

International Approvals

International cooperation is needed to succeed in reducing greenhouse gases. In 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 150 countries pledged to tackle greenhouse gases and agreed to translate these intentions in a binding contract. In the year 1997 in Japan, 160 countries formulate a stronger agreement known as the Kyoto Protocol.

This agreement, which has not been implemented, called on the 38 industrialized nations who hold the largest percentage in the release of greenhouse gases to cut their emissions to a level 5 percent below emissions in 1990. This reduction must be achieved no later than year 2012. At first, the United States had volunteered to conduct a more ambitious cuts, promising to reduce emissions to 7 percent below 1990 levels; the European Union, which wants a tougher agreement, committed 8 percent and Japan 6 percent. The remaining 122 other countries, most developing countries, was not asked to commit in the reduction of gas emissions.

However, in the year 2001, the President of the United States that were elected, George W. Bush announced that an agreement for reduction of carbon dioxide is a very large cost. He also denied by arguing that developing countries are not burdened with the requirements of this carbon dioxide reduction. Kyoto Protocol does not affect anything if the industrialized countries responsible for contributing 55 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in 1990 not to ratify. It successfully met the requirements when the year 2004, Russian President Vladimir Putin to ratify this treaty, provides a way for this agreement began February 16, 2005.

Many people criticized the Kyoto Protocol too weak. Even if the agreement is implemented soon, it will only slightly reduce the increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. A tough action will be required later on, especially since developing countries are exempted from this agreement will result in half of the greenhouse gas emissions in 2035. Opponents of this protocol has a very strong position. Rejection of this agreement in the United States mainly expressed by the oil industry, coal industry and other companies whose production depends on fossil fuels. Opponents claim that the economic costs required to implement the Kyoto Protocol can menjapai 300 billion U.S. dollars, mainly due to energy costs. In contrast the Kyoto Protocol advocates believe that only the required fee of 88 billion U.S. dollars and can be more or less again, and returned in the form of saving money after a change to the equipment, vehicles and industrial processes more efficient.

In a country with strict environmental policy, the economy can continue to grow in spite of various kinds of pollution have been reduced. But to limit carbon dioxide emissions will prove difficult. For example, the Netherlands, the country is also a pioneer of industry environments, have successfully overcome various kinds of pollution but fails to meet its target of reducing carbon dioxide production.

After 1997, the representatives of the Kyoto Protocol signatories meet regularly to menegoisasikan issues unresolved, such as rules, methods and penalties that must be applied in each country to slow greenhouse gas emissions. The negoisator designing systems in which a country that has a successful cleaning program can benefit by selling unused pollution rights to other countries. This is called carbon trading system. For example, a difficult country to further improve results, like the Netherlands, could buy pollution credits on the market, which can be obtained with a lower cost. Russia, a country that earns a profit if the system is applied. In 1990, Russia's economy is very bad and greenhouse gas emissions is very high. Since then the Russians managed to cut emissions of 5 percent below 1990 levels, he is in a position to sell emission credits to other industrial countries, especially those in the European Union.

Global Warming, Tragedy of Modern Civilization

June 5, 2006 (World Environment Day)

On June 5, 2007, countries around the world generally memperingatnya as World Environment Day. Global warming resulting in climate change (climate change) is not to be advanced in a multiparty awareness. Global warming (global warming) has become a major focus of the world community, particularly countries that experienced industrialization and high consumption patterns (consumptive lifestyles). Not many indeed who understands and cares about climate change issues. Because many say, is that the environmental impacts usually occur cumulatively. At this point, the environmental problems are often not considered important by many, the main recipient of the mandate power in making policy.

Climate change caused by global warming (global warming), the main trigger is the increase of carbon emissions, resulting from the use of fossil energy (fuel oil, coal and the like, which can not be updated). Biggest producer of industrial countries like the United States, England, Russia, Canada, Japan, China, etc.. This is caused by the consumption pattern and lifestyle of the northern state of country-10 times higher than the population of the southern states. For developing countries, although not large, involved also contributed to the development scenario based on growth. Industrilisme spur and rising consumption pattern of course, though not as high as the north country. The largest carbon-producing industries in developing countries like Indonesia is the mining companies (oil, coal and raw material mainly fossil). In addition to forest  destruction in Indonesia, which are listed on the world record for "Guinness Book Of Records" as the country's fastest 

damaged forests.

According to the findings Intergovermental Panel and Climate Change (IPCC). An international panel consisting of the institution of more than 100 countries around the world. An agency under the United Nations, but its power over the UN. Declared in 2005 there was an increase in world temperatures, while in Asia 0,6-0,70 higher, namely 10. The next is the availability of water in tropical countries is reduced 10-30 percent and the melting of Gleser (iceberg) in the Himalayas and the Antarctic. In general who also felt by the entire world today is increasingly long summers and short growing season, besides the more widespread storms and flooding in major cities (El Nino) in the entire world. And an increase in extreme weather, which of course strongly felt in tropical countries. If we associate this with the Indonesian territory of deeply felt, as well as the towns that had once been known for cool and cold hot increasingly alone. For example in East Java

we can feel is the city of Malang, Batu, Pasuruan in Regions Prigen Welirang Mountain Slope and the surrounding region is also the foot of Mount Semeru. Or in other cities such as Bogor, West Java, East Nusa Tenggara Ruteng, is an area formerly known as cold but not anymore.

This temperature rise is apparently caused the increasing number of outbreaks of endemic diseases "old and new" equitable and continued to appear, such as leptospirosis, dengue, diarrhea, malaria. Though diseases like malaria, dengue fever and diarrhea is a disease that should have been passed long and able to handle and now has caused thousands of people were infected and died. In addition, hundreds of coastal villages in Java threatened drowning due to rising sea levels, the indicator seemed to be getting close when we saw the tide rising in  the third week in May 2007 yesterday. Starting from Kenjeran Beach, Beach Popoh Tulungagung, Ngeliyep Malang and other beaches on the islands in Indonesia.

For other countries rising sea levels can be seen with the higher waves on the beaches of Asia and Africa. Moreover, it is added to the melting of the Himalayan mountain gleser in Tibet and in the northern hemisphere. Annunciator by the IPCC in this case directly contribute to increasing sea levels as high as 4-6 meters. And if absolutely everything melt will increase sea levels as high as 7 meters in the year 2012. And in 30 years this could threaten the lives of coastal and exceptional food shortages, caused by climate change can already we feel now with the increasingly short rainy season while the dry season has become longer. Until about pests in addition to crop failure, but due to the water in the plant kekuarangan the mother-father of many farmers who fail.

So with such a situation what is needed by a small world "local" and we as individual residents of planet earth? What is needed is a LIFESTYLE REVOLUTION, for thereby reducing both energy usage of electricity, fuel, water has become a major source of the less source of life.