RUHANIZA BINTI ISMAIL I/C NO: 700101116860 OUMH1103 LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNERS

1.0 Introduction Global warming refer to the rise in the earth temperature result from increasing in heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere. Atmosphere temperature increase drastically is the effect of human activities and it is not a natural phenomena. I disagree with the statement because according to Professor Dr Khairulmaini Osman Salleh stated about 95% of the reason the climate change due to the human activity especially involved fossil fuels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) largely reaffirmed the conclusions of its earlier reports, indicating that it is now 90 percent certain that most of the warming observed over the previous half century could be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities (i.e., primarily industrial processes and transportation). 2.0 What is causing global warming ? According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, the two biggest offenders in the global warming problem are cars and power plants. In particular, coal-burning power plants are the largest U.S. source of carbon dioxide pollution, producing 2.3 billion tons every year. Cars, the second largest source, are responsible for generating almost 1.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions a year. Carbon dioxide and other air pollution collect in the atmosphere and trap heat from the sun causing the planet to warm up. Human-related activities such as changes in the use of the land surface for deforestation, , desertification, irrigation, urbanization can also affect local, regional, and even global climate patterns.

RUHANIZA BINTI ISMAIL I/C NO: 700101116860 OUMH1103 LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNERS

3.0 What is the effect of global warming to the world ? The global thermostat is malfunctioning. Everywhere nature is unsettled and most likely mankind deserves much of the blame. According to the scientists, the low land areas near the sea such as New York and Rotterdam are now feeling the rise of sea level. While the islands countries like Vanuatu has lost many islands because of the rise of sea level. Professor Madya Dr. Fredolin Tangang stated that world sea level has risen due to global warming and thus increased the sea volume. Climate change also affect storms and floods frequency. For examples ,in 2005 Katrinas storm in United States was devastating and a big flood occurred in Malaysia in 2006 was unbelievable. With the climate change, the north and south of tropical will have longer summer season and shorter winter season. Thus these place will get less water and lands will not be suitable for farming.

4.0 Steps to reduce global warming

Recently our Prime Minister Dato Sri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has launched awareness for better environment. The campaign stressed on everything that we do will affect the environment. For example, reducing our garbage by 25 percent will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,000 pounds per year. Recycle aluminum cans, glass bottles, plastic, cardboard and newspapers can reduce our home's carbon dioxide emissions by 850 pounds per year.

RUHANIZA BINTI ISMAIL I/C NO: 700101116860 OUMH1103 LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNERS

However, we have to think and act globally according to the Kyoto Protocol which cut CO2 emissions below their allowance or help polluters in developing nations clean up their act by selling the credits as do groups that cut greenhouse gases by, among other things, planting trees. Also by becoming environment friendly such as using public transport, using cleaner power plant and introducing alternative fuels which has been implemented by the governor of California state , Arnold Schwarzenegger.

5.0 Conclusion

As a conclusion, we can see clearly climate change globally was indeed mankind activities. However, we also can take advantage of the situation for good because mankind can adapt with new environment quickly.

RUHANIZA BINTI ISMAIL I/C NO: 700101116860 OUMH1103 LEARNING SKILLS FOR OPEN & DISTANCE LEARNERS

REFERENCES Green Giant. (April,2007). Newsweek, page 75. Kesan pemanasan global. (9hb Julai,2007). Harian Metro.m.s.3. Linda, S., Jan, F., & Aaheim, H. (2002). The adequacy of GWPS as indicators of damage costs incurred by global warming in International Climate and environmental research. Oslo : Kluwer Academic Publisher. Pemanasan Global menyebabkan berlaku perubahan iklim. ( Januari, 2007). m.s. 6.