My name is xxxxx and I am a freshman at Cornell University. I am currently enrolled in a class called Introductory Oceanography. The class not only goes over the basics of how the ocean functions, but also, and most importantly, covers the multitude of current environmental threats facing the ocean today. Such threats include, but are not limited to, global warming, ocean acidification, coastal population, and overfishing. I am writing to you regarding the general health of the ocean, but specifically the pernicious effects of global warming. If there is one thing that this class has taught me, it is that our ocean is under siege by a multitude of environmental problems, many of which are caused by humans. The health of the ocean and the wellbeing of the planet requires immediate action. It is apparent to me that a concerted global effort is of paramount importance if a sustainable future is to exist.
It is widely agreed upon that humans are the root cause of global warming – an environmental concern that endangers everyone and everything that currently live on this planet. It is no surprise that humans are the main contributors to Earth’s changing atmospheric composition. That being said, we are also the primary drive for any potential positive climate change. I have learned in Introductory Oceanography that global warming is a direct effect of the increase of human made atmospheric gases. CO2, one of the primary and most dangerous greenhouse gases, is causing a planetary energy imbalance because it is decreasing the Earth’s heat radiation to space, which in turn is causing the Earth to warm. Preventing the Earth from warming above 2°C by the year 2100 has been a goal that has been agreed upon by all. With the continuation of high emissions, however, such a goal may be difficult to reach. The Earth has warmed 0.8°C in the past century alone. Despite all of this, in order for us to reach that goal of preventing the Earth from warming above 2°C by 2100, we need to limit emissions from fossil fuels to no more than 1,000 metric gallons of CO2. This, of course, seems like a daunting task, and it might be. Yet, it is a task that we have forced ourselves to take by emitting such high levels of greenhouse gases up until now.
Like I said, reducing the emissions of CO2 by as much as is proposed is a formidable task. For the policy makers, though, geoengineering is a promising solution. We will only be able to successfully stabilize CO2 concentration at 350 ppm by supplementing reductions in greenhouse gas emissions with geoengineering. There are two types of geoengineering that should be explored and considered as possible avenues of use. Those types of geoengineering are Solar Radiation Management (SRM) and Carbon Dioxide Reduction (CDR). SRM involves changing the Earth’s radiation budget. Doing this would have an immediate effect on Earth’s temperatures. The appeal of SRM is the speed in which it can become active, its potential efficiency, and its relatively low financial cost. SRM could be an effective temporary response to global warming while other techniques that may take longer to develop eventually come to fruition. SRM is an interventionist approach. CDR involves the extraction of CO2 from the air and placing it in long term storage primarily underground and in the ocean. The effectiveness in this would come from decreasing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, which is the most dire goal at the moment.
The threat of global warming speaks to me for the plethora of effects it has. Despite the increase in both average and extreme temperatures, global warming is contributing to many other environmental problems. Extreme weather related events such as rainstorms, hurricanes, blizzards, heatwaves, and droughts are said to continue with increasing intensity as long as global warming persists. Ice is melting worldwide, specifically the Arctic sea ice. In just years, it is predicted that the Arctic Sea will be ice free during the warmer months of the year. This will have a tremendous on the ecosystem in the Arctic and absolutely cannot happen. The amount of wildlife who will be in danger due to the drastically changed climate will simply be too high. Following the melting of the ice in the sea will inevitably come the rising of sea levels. Since 1870, sea levels have risen about 8 inches. If this rate continues, many coastal areas around the world will be flooded. This would affect nearly half of the world’s population. It is one thing to disregard animals and their ecosystem. However, when you start endangering human life, that is a whole other matter that demands immediate attention. Global warming, which is almost directly caused by humans, is on its way to ruining, and possibly taking, the lives of billions of people. Furthermore, as CO2 levels increase, the oceans absorb some of that CO2, which in turn increases the acidity of seawater. Ocean acidification directly impacts coral reefs. Again, emissions of greenhouse gas and global warming are harming many environmental communities all around the world. Many coral reefs are projected to become rare and near extinction in places where they are currently abundant. As the average global temperature increases and migrates towards the poles, many animals are following them. The rate of climate change velocity is sure to exceed the rate that many organisms can migrate. Thus, many animals will likely be unable to successfully compete in the new climate. The end result of this: possible extinction.
The injustice of the situation is truly appalling. The negative consequences that are impacting so many parts of our world are completely our fault. What is worse is that we are now on a time crunch, and it is unclear whether we will be able to stop and undo the wrong that we have caused. I, however, still have hope that we can effect change on a global level.
Global warming is an issue of national importance. It is more than a state concern, as it will require the contribution and cooperation of all states. Not only that, but it will require the contribution and cooperation of all of the nations on this planet. The time is ticking on the threat of global warming. It is up to the leaders of each state and each nation to push global warming to the forefront of international concerns. This is, in fact why, I have written you. I implore you to take what I have written to heart, as it means a great deal to me. The time for action is now, and I can only hope that you, as well as the other leaders of this nation, feel similarly. Hope to hear back from you soon.