TAIMUN 12th Press 2014

 

 

     Ever since the Industrial Revolution, mankind has been on an exponential path of advancement. As the technology being introduced to the world becoming cooler and cooler, though, the climate has been relentlessly getting warmer and warmer.

 

    The Earth is surrounded by an atmosphere of greenhouse gases, which scientists discovered could capture some of the heat that radiates from the sun. The heat, in turn, allows water to remain in liquid form, creating circumstances suitable for life. Although the atmosphere is crucial for survival, the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that are produced by humans have caused unnatural amounts of the sun’s warmth to remain trapped on Earth. The icy North and South Poles have been shrinking at shocking rates over the past few decades, along with many of the world’s natural glaciers. As a result, many smaller islands face the risk of being submerged as ocean levels rise. One of the most pressing matters to these island countries is the question of national sovereignty should their islands disappear under the ocean.

 

     Even though ocean levels have been rising since 1890, the rate has only recently begun to become alarming to people. The National Academy of Sciences predicts that by the year 2100, sea levels could rise by 38.1 cm to 142.42 cm, threatening the very livelihood of many countries across the world. For example, Maldives, an island nation off the coast of India, has a total population of around 300 thousand, has been bracing for the imminent threat of rising sea levels. The majority of the land is only 70cm above sea level. One of the country’s main concerns is the question of where to migrate once their country is submerged in water. As a result, Maldives and many other countries have been encouraging the international community to make drastic changes in their industrial habits.

 

     Not only will Maldives be in trouble if the carbon dioxide emission trend continues. Scientists predict that multiple countries around the world will begin to feel the wrath of a significant rise in sea level. If we continue to burn massive amount of fossil fuels, by 2100, it is predicted that the average sea level will rise by 1.524 meters. This means populous countries including Thailand, Philippines, and Egypt will practically be under water and millions of people displaced.

 

     By replacing the burning of fossil fuels for energy by some other method that does not emit as much greenhouse gases, we have the power to change our uncertain future. It is still possible to save countries like Maldives if we act now. It will take an international effort to keep these islands from vanishing.