Global warming
The rise in Earth’s temperature over the years is referred to as global warming. It’s caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, which traps heat from the sun.
The effects of climate change are severe and far-reaching. The global temperature has been increasing by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit or 1 degree Celsius since the Age of Industrialization. From 1880 to 1980, it has risen by around 0.07 degrees Celsius every decade. However, since 1981, its annual increase has doubled. Over the last 40 years since 1981, the global temperature has jumped by about 0.32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.18 degrees Celsius every 10 years.
Various international agreements have been signed to address climate change. The Paris Agreement seeks to keep the global temperature from rising more than 2 degrees Celsius. Various strategies have been developed to help decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Effects of Global Warming
- Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense due to the increasing temperatures on the Earth.
- As the melting of ice caps and glaciers contributes to rising sea levels, coastal communities are at risk of causing flooding and erosion along with the displacement of people.
- Climate change can cause more extreme weather conditions, such as droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes. The effects of climate change can also be seen in the frequency and intensity of certain weather phenomena, such as floods, hurricanes, and droughts. These natural disasters can cause immense human losses and economic damage.
- The oceans are becoming more acidic due to rising levels of carbon dioxide affecting marine life and the ecosystem.
- Climate change affects the biodiversity of ecosystems and the habitats of animals and plants. Coral bleaching is one example of a climate change-related issue that has affected coral reefs.
- Illnesses caused by insects and other heat-related conditions become more common in hotter environments.
- Changing precipitation and temperature patterns will affect the production and consumption of food and agricultural products.
Although the terms climate change and global warming are often interchangeably used, they have slightly distinct meanings. Global warming refers to the rise in the Earth’s temperature. On the other hand, climate change encompasses various changes in the Earth’s climate, such as changes in sea levels, extreme weather events, and precipitation.
Causes of Climate Change:
- The main cause of climate change is the rising levels of greenhouse gases, such as methane, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide. These gases trap solar heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect, which is a warming effect.
- The burning of fossil fuels, such as natural gas, coal, and oil, contributes to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- The destruction of forests by urban development, logging, and agriculture has decreased the Earth’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
- Industrial processes also contribute to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These include methane, fluorinated, and other gases with a powerful warming effect.
- Methane emissions from agriculture are mainly caused by the use of certain practices such as livestock farming and rice cultivation.
- Urbanization and the altering vegetation cover can affect the climate of regions and countries by varying the properties of their surfaces and how they reflect heat.