Global Warming Definition
Global Warming is the phenomenon of a gradual rise in the average temperature of air and oceans across the globe over the past one to two centuries. As a result, it has disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): Between 1880 and 1980, the global annual temperature increased at a rate of 0.13 degrees Fahrenheit (0.07 degrees Celsius) per decade, on average. Since 1981, the rate of increase has sped up, to 0.32 F (0.18 C) per decade.
This has led to an overall 3.6 F (2 C) increase in global average temperature today compared with the preindustrial era. So far, 2016 is the hottest year on record, but that record has been close to falling several times already. The years 2019 and 2020 both came within fractions of degrees of knocking 2016 off its perch. In 2020, the average global temperature over land and ocean was 1.76 F (0.98 C) warmer than the 20th-century average of 57.0 F (13.9 C).
Table of Contents
When did Global Warming Start
Greenhouse gases began warming the world’s oceans in the early 1800s. The earliest signs of warming developed around the 1830s to 1850s in the tropical oceans and over Northern Hemisphere continents.
Global Warming and Greenhouse Effect
How do Greenhouse gases contribute to Global Warming?
Greenhouse gases act similarly to the glass in a greenhouse, they absorb the sun’s heat that radiates from the Earth’s surface, trap it in the atmosphere, and prevent it from escaping into space.
Which gas is responsible for Global Warming?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities. In 2021, CO2 accounted for 79% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
Causes of Global Warming
There are several causes of Global Warming, that hurt humans, plants, and animals. It is caused by nature or might be the outcome of human activities.
Human Activities Causes of Global Warming
Deforestation
Trees are the main source of Oxygen. They take carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the environment during the process of photosynthesis maintaining environmental balance. Forests are being destroyed for many domestic and commercial purposes. This has led to a significant environmental imbalance.
Use of Vehicles
Using vehicles results in various gaseous emissions. Vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and other toxins into the atmosphere. Among greenhouse gases, the increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the main cause of global warming, resulting in a temperature rise.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators adds Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) into the environment which affects the ozone layer of the atmosphere. The ozone layer protects the earth’s surface from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. The CFCs deplete the ozone layer protection and as a result, increase the temperature of the earth.
Industrial Development
With the heightened industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been increasing rapidly. The harmful emissions from the factories add to the increasing temperature over the globe.
In 2013, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change reported that the increase in the global temperature between 1880 and 2012 has been 0.9 degrees Celsius. The increase is 1.1 degrees Celsius when compared to the pre-industrial mean temperature.
Agriculture
Agricultural activities produce carbon dioxide and methane gas and contribute approximately 30 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, mainly due to the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and animal wastes.
Overpopulation
Rapid population growth worsens the impacts of climate change by straining resources.
Natural Causes of Global Warming
Volcanoes
Volcanoes are one of the largest natural contributors to global warming. The ash and smoke emitted during volcanic eruptions go out into the atmosphere and affect the climate. Volcanic gases like sulfur dioxide can cause global cooling but volcanic carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, has the potential to promote global warming.
Water Vapour
Increased water vapor in the atmosphere amplifies the warming caused by other greenhouse gases. Due to the increase in the earth’s temperature, more water gets evaporated from the water bodies and stays in the atmosphere.
Melting Permafrost
Permafrost is frozen soil that has environmental gases trapped in it for several years and is present below Earth’s surface. It is also present in glaciers. As the glaciers melt, permafrost melts, and as a result, it releases the gases back into the atmosphere.
Forest Fires
Forest fires emit a large amount of smoke which contains carbon. These gases are released into the atmosphere and increase the earth’s temperature resulting in global warming.
Effects of Global Warming
Rise in Temperature
Global warming has led to warming the globe. Since 1880, the earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees. This has increased the melting of glaciers, which has led to an increase in the sea level.
Threats to the Ecosystem
Climate change has affected the coral reefs which can lead to the loss of plant and animal lives. The increase in global temperatures has made the fragility of coral reefs even worse.
Climate Change
Global warming has created a significant imbalance in climate. There are droughts in some places and floods in some. Recent studies suggest that global heating may be leading to stronger El Niño events
Spread of Diseases
As the temperature rises, mosquitoes roam beyond their current habitats, shifting the burden of diseases like malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and West Nile virus.
High Mortality Rates
Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis, and other natural calamities, the average death toll usually increases. Also, such events can bring about the spread of diseases that can hamper human life.
Loss of Natural Habitat
A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants and animals. In this case, the animals need to migrate from their natural habitat and many of them even become extinct.
Polar bears depend on sea ice for their existence and are directly impacted by climate change–serving as an important indicator species. By 2040, scientists predict that only a fringe of ice will remain in Northeast Canada and Northern Greenland when all other large areas of summer ice are gone.
Evidence of Global Warming
- Global temperature is rising
- The Oceans are getting warmer
- The Ice Sheets are shrinking
- The sea level is rising
- Arctic sea ice is declining
When will Global Warming end the World
It says that global average temperatures are estimated to rise 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels sometime around “the first half of the 2030s,” as humans continue to burn coal, oil, and natural gas. Source
Conclusion: Is Global Warming a Hoax?
97% of climate scientists agree that the rising temperature of our planet over the last 100 years is most probably due to human activity. Climate change is not a hoax, if we don’t act humanity will face a planetary catastrophe.
It is not too late to prevent climate change before the earth becomes uninhabitable.
- Save energy at home: Much of our electricity and heat are powered by coal, oil, and gas. So be energy efficient and Use less electricity.
- Walk, cycle, or take public transport
- Believe in Reduce, Reuse, Repair & Recycle
- If possible, see if you can switch to renewable sources such as wind or solar. Or install solar panels on your roof to generate energy for your home.
- If you plan to buy a vehicle, consider going electric. Even if they still run on electricity produced from fossil fuels, electric cars help reduce air pollution and cause significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.
Also Read: What is the Internet of Behaviors (IoB) and why is it a Revolutionary Influencer?
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