The challenge of global warming is a dilemma no human society can ignore and world experts have rightly pointed out that the human race need to resolve this growing crisis within 8 years, lest we are destined for a greater catastrophe. The Nagas are already feeling the effect of global warming. The soaring temperature, the changing patterns in crop production, the depleting water resources, decreasing rainfall and climatic changes are some of the indicators that we are experiencing. It would be detrimental to the well being of present and future generations if Nagas do not mobilize together to constructively response to this global crisis.
For many centuries, two viewpoints of environmental idea defined the human understanding of nature. The first viewpoint held the belief that the natural state of universe is one of infinite stability, with an unchanging earth anchoring the predictable revolutions of the sun, moon and stars. Every new idea that challenged this viewpoint was met with fierce resistance from dogmatic religious, political and scientific schools of thought. The second viewpoint also sees the natural state of universe as a stable one but holds that it has become destabilized through human actions and human conducts. This viewpoint interprets the erosion of nature and environment calamity as consequences of human action.
These two viewpoints have encompassed and strongly influenced many cultures’ points of view and their understanding of global warming. With the advancement of technology and scientific research, we now have better and more in-depth information about our environment and the consequences of global warming. Global Warming is an increase in the near surface temperature of the Earth. It is a term most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. It is said that the Global average air temperature has increased about 0.6°C since the late-19th century and about another 0.2 to 0.3°C over the last 25 years. Furthermore, the projected change of 1.5 - 4°C over the next century would be unprecedented in comparison with the best available records from the last several thousand years.
The term “global warming” is a specific name of the broader term climate change, which can also refer to global cooling. In common usage the term has come to refer to recent warming and implies a human influence in altering the patterns of our environment. It is different from the term climate change because climate change is broader and refers in the wider sense to include natural changes in climate. Climate change and global warming have occurred on Earth as the result of natural influences and in cycles throughout the history of the Earth; however, the current warming we are experiencing and that is expected to continue is the result of human-caused increases in greenhouse gases, specifically carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide stays in the atmosphere and acts like a warm blanket that holds in the heat. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect. Having some greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere is necessary for human survival as it regulates the temperature of our planet. We need some warmth on the Earth or we would not have the proper range of temperature that allows us to have the right conditions for breathable air, clean water and mild weather. In fact, current life on Earth could not be sustained without the natural greenhouse effect. It is essential for life on Earth and is one of Earth’s natural processes.
Without a natural greenhouse effect, the temperature of the Earth would be about -18°C instead of its present 14°C. So, the concern is not with the fact that we have a greenhouse effect, but whether human activities are leading to an enhancement of the greenhouse effect. However, humans have begun to tip the balance and overload the atmosphere with too many greenhouse gases from our cars, factories and power plants – gasses that trap more heat and can lead to devastating changes in our environment. It is no longer the natural green house effect. What we have now is a human-made green house effect, which is way too high, as a result of which the temperature of the Earth is increasing and creating unnatural conditions. If we don’t start addressing the problem now, we are in for more extreme temperatures, rises in sea levels and more destructive storms or maybe even droughts, increased temperatures that could lead to famine.
There are some positive affects of global warming. It will take less energy to heat buildings, previously infertile lands of high latitudes will start producing crops, and there will be less suffering from debilitating cold waves. Increased CO2 might also make crops grow faster. On the negative side, there will be more frequent and more intense heat waves, air conditioning costs will rise, and previously fertile areas in the subtropics may become unusable. However there are consequences of warming that we cannot take so lightly. During the peak of the last ice age, sea level was some 400 feet lower than what it is today. As the Polar Regions warm, it is possible that portions of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets will melt, increasing sea level. Were the entire Greenland ice cap to melt, sea level would increase by around 22 feet—flooding many coastal regions in North America.
The projections on our climate will depend on how much greenhouse gas is added to the atmosphere over the next century. A meaningful reduction in greenhouse gas emissions will require a shift in the means of producing energy, as well as conservation measures. Global warming is something that is affecting everyone on a daily basis. Even here in Nagaland, we are already living the affects of global warming even if we are not aware of it. The changing climatic patters are frightening and our continued ignorance will only make things more difficult and complicated. It is now time to ACT!