Global warming refers to the steady increase in the Earth’s average temperature over the past century or two. Here are some key points about global warming:
- Definition:
- Global warming results in rising average air temperatures near the Earth’s surface.
- While Earth’s climate has naturally evolved over geological time, human activities since the Industrial Revolution significantly influence the pace and extent of climate change.
- Causes:
- Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), trap heat in the atmosphere.
- Human activities, including burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, release these greenhouse gases into the air.
- These emissions contribute to the enhanced greenhouse effect, leading to global warming.
- Effects:
- Rising temperatures: Average global temperatures have increased by about 1°C (1.8°F) since the pre-industrial era.
- Melting ice and glaciers: Warming temperatures cause ice sheets and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels.
- Extreme weather events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, storms, and floods occur due to climate change.
- Ocean acidification: Increased CO₂ absorption by oceans leads to acidification, affecting marine ecosystems.
- Biodiversity loss: Habitats change, impacting plant and animal species.
- Health risks: Heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and food insecurity increase.
- Solutions and Mitigation:
- Reducing emissions: Transition to cleaner energy sources (renewables), improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices.
- Afforestation and reforestation: Planting trees helps absorb CO₂.
- Carbon capture and storage: Technologies capture CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and store them underground.
- International cooperation: Agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
- Individual actions: Reduce energy consumption, use public transport, and support eco-friendly policies.
In summary, global warming is a critical issue that requires collective efforts to mitigate its impact and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.