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Argumentative essays on climate change
Essay No. 1:
Climate change is one of the most serious challenges that humanity is facing in the 21st century. This is not just an issue for a single country or a region, but a global concern affecting every aspect of life. Global warming, extreme weather phenomena, and severe environmental consequences are demanding immediate action from us to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Climate change is understood as long-term changes in climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, or wind over an extended period, caused by both natural factors and human impact. However, scientific studies have shown that the main cause of current climate change is human activity. The use of fossil fuels in transportation, industrial production, and daily life has released large amounts of greenhouse gases, especially CO₂, increasing the greenhouse effect and causing global warming. Furthermore, deforestation and reckless exploitation of natural resources have reduced the CO₂ absorption capacity of green trees, contributing to accelerated climate change.
The consequences of climate change are evident in every aspect of life. Rising global temperatures have melted polar ice, causing sea levels to rise, threatening many coastal countries. According to the report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), if sea levels continue to rise, millions of people living in cities like Jakarta, Venice, or Dhaka could lose their homes in the coming decades. Extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts are occurring more frequently, causing significant economic damage and pushing many communities into poverty. In Vietnam, the central region frequently experiences severe storms, inundating homes, destroying crops, and severely affecting the lives of the people.
Climate change not only harms the environment but also seriously affects human health and life. The incidence of weather-related diseases, such as heatstroke, respiratory diseases, and waterborne infections, is increasing. Additionally, disputes over resources, especially clean water and land, are becoming more intense. According to the United Nations, by 2030, nearly half of the world's population could live under severe clean water shortages. This not only affects quality of life but also threatens global peace and security.
In light of the alarming state of climate change, each of us needs to recognize our role and responsibility in protecting the environment. Firstly, individuals can contribute to reducing emissions by using energy efficiently, limiting the consumption of environmentally harmful products, and planting more trees. Changing lifestyle habits, such as using public transport instead of personal vehicles or minimizing plastic waste, are also practical actions to protect the planet. At the community and national levels, stronger policies are needed to encourage the use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Climate change is an issue that cannot be solved overnight, but with global collaboration, from individuals to large organizations, we can certainly slow down its negative impacts. This is not only a responsibility but an obligation for all of us, for the future of Earth, our only home. Act today to protect the green planet, not just for now but for future generations.
Essay No. 2:
The Earth - the shared home of humanity - is facing severe risks due to climate change. This is one of the greatest global challenges today, affecting all aspects of life, from the environment and economy to health and food security. This issue is not just a natural phenomenon but largely a consequence of human actions.
Climate change is understood as long-term changes in climatic factors such as temperature, rainfall, and wind. One of the clearest signs of this phenomenon is global warming. According to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C compared to pre-industrial times. This is largely due to the increase in greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂, originating from activities such as burning fossil fuels, industrial production, and deforestation. For example, the energy sector accounts for up to 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with coal and oil playing leading roles.
The consequences of climate change are clearly evident in daily life. On the environmental front, melting ice at the poles and rising sea levels are alarming issues. If this trend continues, many coastal nations will be submerged by seawater by 2100. The Maldives, a famous island nation, is at risk of vanishing entirely from the world map. In addition, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. More powerful storms, prolonged droughts, and more devastating floods are causing severe loss in lives and property. Vietnam, a severely affected country, particularly in the Mekong River Delta, loses thousands of hectares of arable land annually due to salty intrusion and subsidence.
Beyond environmental impacts, climate change directly threatens human life. Crop failures due to abnormal weather lead to food shortages and increased poverty in many developing countries. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 45 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa have fallen into severe food shortage due to prolonged droughts. Additionally, climate change is a cause of many epidemics, particularly mosquito-related infectious diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. As temperatures rise, the living range of mosquitoes expands, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
The primary causes of climate change cannot ignore human disregard and irresponsibility. Reckless deforestation, overconsumption of natural resources, and uncontrolled emissions have pushed Earth into a dangerous situation. However, the good news is that humanity still has the opportunity to change and mitigate the impacts of climate change if actions are taken promptly.
To address this issue, close cooperation is needed between countries, organizations, and individuals. At the national level, governments need to implement strong policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote the use of renewable energy, and protect important ecosystems. For instance, Sweden has become a leading country in reducing emissions by using up to 54% renewable energy in its total energy consumption.
Moreover, each individual needs to be more aware of protecting the environment through small but practical actions. Saving electricity, reducing plastic bag use, or participating in tree planting can all contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change. Changes in consumption habits, and prioritizing eco-friendly products, are also ways for everyone to participate in protecting the planet.
Climate change is a serious warning to humanity. It is not just an environmental issue but also profoundly affects the survival of humans and other species. Our responsibility is not only to clearly recognize this reality but also to act immediately to save the planet. Protecting Earth means protecting the future of ourselves and future generations.
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