Discuss the solutions proposed to slow down global warming [15]

Global warming is the rise of the average temperatures of the earths atmosphere. It is
primarily caused by enhanced greenhouse effect, which arises from human activities.
There are many solutions proposed to slow down global warming. These include
individual, national and international efforts. International efforts include cooperation
between/among nations to work together to combat global warming as a common goal.
Examples include the Kyoto Protoccol which aims to reduce carbon emissions. Firstly,
targets are expressed as levels of allowed emissions over the year 2008 to 2012
commitment period. The allowed emissions are divided into assigned amount units
(AAUs). Emissions trading allows countries that have emission units to spare to sell
this excess capacity to countries that are over their targets. The Kyoto Protocol also
consists of the Clean Development Mechanism which involves investment in sustainable
development projects that reduce emissions in developing countries. Lastly, industrialized
countries are to carry out joint implementation projects with other developed countries.
However these efforts are limited in success. Certain countries such as USA and
developing countries refuse to sacrifice economic growth for environment conservation.
In addition, there is limited accountability because these countries whether bonded to
the Kyoto Protocol or not, are not accountable to anyone when they breach the
agreement. Having said so, Kyoto Protocol has achieved some success- the European
Union has reduced its carbon emissions by 5%. National efforts are policies and
campaigns introduced by the local governments to reduce the carbon emissions in the
respective countries and hence slow down global warming. Examples include,
government subsidies for he purchase of hybrid vehicles. This encourages individuals to
purchase car consume less petrol and emit less exhaust fumes. Cleaner and alternative
sources of energy such as solar energy, geothermal, tidal and wind energy. All these
serve the needs of people without having to burn fossil fuels. There are also
disincentives. For example, in Singapore, gasoline prices are not subsidized by the
government and electricity usage is not cheap. These efforts are highly successful
as the government is capable of eliciting a large-scale response from its people. In
addition, alternative sources of energy are popular as they are affordable and equally
efficient. However, since the government cannot dictate the decisions of its people,
national efforts are never always effective. Lastly, individual efforts include 3Rs-
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Such campaigns propose reduced electricity usage, which in
turn reduce carbon emissions during electricity generation. If there is a lower demand
for electricity, fewer fossil fuels are burnt and less greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) is
produced. The recycling of materials such as paper, aluminum, plastic and glass,
reduces the frequency of deforestation, metal ore extraction and heavy industry
activities. Since the 1970s, Singapore has experienced an average warming rate of
0.25oC per decade. Hence, individuals are encouraged to use public transport and car
pool more often as well as purchase hybrid cars. All these reduce emissions and slow
down global warming. Given that Singapore transportation system contributes 7986
million tons.
However, individual efforts are not effective because it has little impact on slowing down
global warming since an individual has limited power. Unless there are a huge number
of individuals committed to slow down global warming. This is not common, especially
in Singapore. There is little incentive to motivate people to be truly committed to slow
down global warming.
In conclusion, national efforts are the most effective, followed by international efforts and
individual efforts. This is because a government can come up with a set of legislations
to increase the efficacy of its attempt to combat global warming, unlike international
and individual efforts. Individual efforts are the least effective as one individual is not
influential enough to make a difference.
Discuss the solutions proposed to slow down global warming [15]