The Impact of Global Warming and Desertification Essay Example

The Impact of Global Warming and Desertification Paper Global warming (climate change) also leads to sea-level rise with its attendant consequences, and includes fiercer weather, increased frequency and intensity of storms, floods, hurricanes, droughts, increased frequency of fires, poverty, malnutrition and series of health and socio-economic consequences. It has a cumulative effect on natural resources and the balance of nature. Desertification in Nigeria arises from the demands of increased populations that settle on the land in order to grow crops and graze animals. However, desertification is presently affecting the eleven rather states and is also considered the most pressing environmental problem and accounts for about 73% out of the estimated total cost of about US$5. 110 billion per annum the country is losing arising from environmental degradation (United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, 1999). This paper discusses briefly, the menace of global warming and desertification, the causes of this menace and solutions. Further, it analyses the extent and the impact of global warming and desertification on the Nigerian ecosystem. INTRODUCTION Nigeria has a rarity of ecosystems, from mangroves and rainforests on the Atlantic coast in the south to the Savannah in the north bordering the Sahara. Whether dry or wet, these ecosystems are being battered by global warming and desertification and the impact can be vast. In the aspect of globalization, some stable ecosystems such as the Sale Savanna may become vulnerable because global warming will reinforce existing patterns of water scarcity and increase the risk of drought in Nigeria and indeed most countries in West Africa. We will write a custom essay sample on The Impact of Global Warming and Desertification specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Impact of Global Warming and Desertification specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Impact of Global Warming and Desertification specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer As well, the countrys aquatic ecosystems, wetlands and Other habitats ill create overwhelming problems for an already impoverished populace. Preliminary studies on the vulnerability of various sectors of the Nigerian economy to Climate Change were conducted by the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST). The sectors evaluations were based on seven natural and human systems identified by the Intergovernmental panel on climatic change (EPIC), and were later condensed into five. They include: ; Human settlements and health; ; Water resources, wetlands, and freshwater ecosystems; ; Energy, industry, commerce, and financial services; Agriculture, food security, Global Warming, forestry, and biodiversity; and ; Coastal zone and marine ecosystems. The study determined that virtually all of the sectors analyzed manifested some evidence of vulnerability to global warming. None were unaffected, nor will remain unaffected in future by changes in climatic conditions. In fact, more recent assessment although in regional and global scale, not only corroborate the patterns established by Canada-Nigeria Climate Change Capacity Development Project(CNN-CDC) reports but captured more stubbing scenarios using more embracing and sophisticated approaches (Intergovernmental panel on Climatic Change, 2007). Indications are that the climate system is more sensitive than originally thought. Scientists have spent decades figuring out what is causing global warming. They have looked at the natural cycles and events that are known to influence climate. But the amount and pattern of warming that is been measured cant be explained by these factors alone. The only way to explain the pattern is to include the effect of greenhouse gases (Eggs) emitted by humans. One of the first things scientists learned is that there are several greenhouse gases responsible for warming, and humans emit them in a variety of ways. Most come from the combustion of fossil fuels in cars, factories and electricity production. The gas responsible for the most warming is carbon dioxide, also called ICC. Other contributors include methane released from landfills and agriculture (especially from the digestive systems of grazing animals), nitrous oxide from fertilizers, gases used for refrigeration and industrial processes, and the loss of forests that would otherwise store ICC. Desertification could be described as the spread of a desert environment into arid or semiarid regions, caused by climatic changes, human influence, or both. (Cline 2007) Climatic factors include periods of temporary but severe drought and long- term climatic changes toward dryness. Human factors include artificial climatic alteration, as through the removal of vegetation (which can lead to unnaturally high erosion), excessive cultivation, and the exhaustion of water supplies. Desertification drains an arid or semiarid land of its life-supporting capabilities. It is one of the major causes of global warming. About 81. 5 billion metric tons of carbons are added into the atmosphere annually out of which about 3. 5 billion metric tons are contributed by deforestation, fossil fuels, organic matter, forest fire and other human activities. Asthma and Asthma, 2003). It is characterized by a declining groundwater table, salt accumulation in topsoil and water, a decrease in surface water, increasing erosion, and the disappearance of native vegetation. Moreover, desertification is often accompanied by Global Warming in arid and semi-arid areas resulting from arioso factors including climate variations and human activities therefore, leading to loss of arable land, displac ement, resettlement and loss of grazing land. The Nigerian first National Communication (2003) indicates that Sudan-Sale that is mostly 1 1 states of Northern Nigeria have suffered decrease in rainfall in the range of about 30-40 percent or about 3-4 percent decades since the beginning of the century. With this desert encroachment, over 90 percent of the population in the frontline states being farmers who depend directly on a wide range of natural resources and the ecosystem revise for their livelihood will face the severe impact of drought. Desertification leads to poverty with all social, economic and cultural consequences, with women being the most vulnerable and also leading to serious wind erosion and loss of agricultural lands. Desertification could also lead to food insecurity, loss of livelihoods and livestock, forced migration, increase in rate of soil erosion, contribution to global warming and loss of bio diversity. One of the major causes of desertification is deforestation, which is the cutting down of trees for domestic uses and this affects the ecosystem actively. Overgrazing of lands by nomads and careless bush burning could also contribute to the desertification. Solutions. There are possible solutions to global warming and desertification in Nigeria, The citizens and the government should put in effort to curb the effects of these two problems. The govern meet should also implement policies that would encourage the planting and grooming of trees. Drastic measures should be taken concerning industries that release dangerous fumes and toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Tips for Writing Essays That Pass the Teacher Certification Exam

Tips for Writing Essays That Pass the Teacher Certification ExamIf you want to become a teacher, you need to take a teacher certification exam and then pass the written test and the teacher knowledge test. This can be especially challenging, as most teachers, even if they really want to be a teacher, will not prepare themselves enough to pass these tests.It is no surprise that many people do not think they can become a teacher and therefore the teacher certification process makes it easier for others to pass their teacher certification exams with flying colors. However, if you are not ready to sit the certification test, there are various resources available on the internet that can help you prepare. Not only that, but there are also resources that can help you develop your skills when you finally sit that certification test.The first thing you should remember when preparing for the exam is that you must write in an objective manner. You cannot let your emotions influence your writin g and there is no excuse for this. In fact, you are more likely to succeed if you are clear about what you want to achieve from your essay, and exactly how you want to achieve it. This is because by being objective, you will know exactly where to start and you will be able to focus fully on your target topic and avoid getting sidetracked.When preparing for your teacher certification exam, it is best to go back to school and study the subject carefully. When you start to really understand the topic and how to apply it, you will be more comfortable in your essays. This will lead to a more powerful essay.During your preparation, it is best to memorize the basic details of the subject and you should use the teaching method in your writing. For example, you should not spend much time on developing the big ideas, but instead you should focus on building on the smaller details. Thiswill help you develop your writing skills and help you win the certification test.By the same token, the best way to create a strong essay is to spend more time working on the details of your writing. On the other hand, if you feel that you cannot develop your essay on your own, you can ask a trusted friend or relative to help you. Of course, you should never force yourself to write, because you are wasting precious time when you do this.When writing the essay, try to avoid dwelling on what you do not know and instead focus on what you do know. Remember that you need to convince the board that you are qualified to teach and this means you need to use strong arguments. Use the essay as a tool to prove your points, and not simply as a resource to vent your feelings.Finally, the most important tip for passing your teacher certification test is to continue studying even after the test. Don't put the test behind you and forget about the exam, but instead take the time to study and hone your skills. This will make you a better teacher and ensure that you receive your certification.