The increasing amount of carbon in the air, which many researchers and scientists believe is responsible for shifting weather patterns and an increase in temperature in the world atmosphere, is the prime driver of climate change. Although some countries are cutting back on carbon emissions and switching to alternatives such as wind, solar, geothermal and tidal energies, the majority of electricity is still generated by fossil fuel emissions and will be for the foreseeable future. While electric vehicles and mass transportation, along with bicycles, are growing in popularity, it’s still a small sector for overall world transportation needs.
The argument over climate change is often focused on the economics of a country and its political situation. Third-world countries ask why they should bear the burden of cutting back on emissions largely caused by the industrial revolution of Western civilizations. Electricity is an engine of growth, and transportation is a key driver of economic vitality. By switching to more expensive alternatives, some argue that they are contributing to propping up other countries at the expense of their own people.
While these arguments are valid, they miss the pressing need to do something. Climate change is already impacting vast stretches of the world, and the problems will grow only more severe over time. Some say that it may already be too late to reverse global warming, while others insist that drastic measures must be taken right now to have any hope of preventing disaster.
The World Health Organization claims that climate change targets the heart of human needs – safe drinking water, a steady and reliable supply of food, a place for shelter that allows for crop cultivation and other secure work, and, of course, the quality of the air we breathe.