Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon disrupts global climate systems, leading to changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels, and various ecological impacts. The ongoing rise in temperature also causes thermal expansion of oceans, which further contributes to sea-level rise and poses significant risks to coastal regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The average global temperature has risen by about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, largely due to human activities.
2. Melting polar ice caps and glaciers contribute significantly to rising sea levels, which can lead to increased flooding in coastal areas.
3. Oceans absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, leading to ocean acidification and impacting marine life.
4. Increased temperatures can result in more severe weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
5. Global warming can disrupt ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to shifts in species distributions and increased extinction rates.

Review Questions

• How does global warming influence global climate systems and what are its potential consequences?
  • Global warming significantly alters global climate systems by increasing average temperatures, which can shift weather patterns and intensify extreme weather events. These changes can lead to longer droughts, more intense storms, and altered precipitation patterns. The consequences of these shifts include disruptions to agriculture, damage to infrastructure, and challenges for water resources, all of which can impact human livelihoods and ecosystems.
• What role does thermal expansion of oceans play in the context of global warming, and how does this phenomenon affect coastal areas?
  • Thermal expansion of oceans occurs as water warms up due to rising global temperatures associated with global warming. This process contributes significantly to sea level rise, posing a direct threat to coastal areas through increased flooding and erosion. As sea levels rise, communities may face displacement, loss of property, and increased salinity in freshwater sources, further straining resources in these regions.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of global warming on ecosystems and human society.
  • The long-term impacts of global warming on ecosystems include shifts in biodiversity, habitat loss, and changes in species interactions as organisms struggle to adapt to changing climates. For human society, these effects could manifest as food and water shortages due to disrupted agriculture, increased health risks from heatwaves and disease spread, and economic challenges linked to climate-induced disasters. Ultimately, failing to address global warming may lead to significant societal upheaval as communities cope with the escalating consequences of a changing planet.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to the greenhouse effect.

climate change: A broader term encompassing all changes in climate patterns, including global warming, resulting from both natural processes and human activities.

sea level rise: The increase in the level of the world's oceans due to melting ice caps and glaciers and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms.