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 rise in temperature has significant implications for atmospheric chemistry, influencing air quality and weather patterns, while also affecting interactions among Earth's spheres, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. The consequences of global warming are evident in the changes to climate systems and environmental conditions across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the late 19th century, Earth's average surface temperature has risen by about 1.2 degrees Celsius, largely due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
2. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming.
3. Global warming leads to severe weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and floods, as well as shifts in ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
4. The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers due to rising temperatures contributes to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
5. Mitigation strategies, including renewable energy use and energy efficiency improvements, are critical for addressing the impacts of global warming.

Review Questions

• How does global warming impact atmospheric chemistry and air quality?
  • Global warming significantly affects atmospheric chemistry by altering the concentration of greenhouse gases and other pollutants in the atmosphere. As temperatures rise, chemical reactions can occur more rapidly, potentially increasing the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant. Additionally, changes in weather patterns can affect air circulation and pollution dispersion, leading to localized air quality issues that can harm human health and the environment.
• Discuss the interactions between Earth's spheres as influenced by global warming.
  • Global warming affects the interactions among Earth's spheres by altering physical processes across each system. For instance, higher temperatures in the atmosphere influence precipitation patterns in the hydrosphere, which can lead to changes in freshwater availability. Additionally, shifts in temperature and precipitation impact ecosystems within the biosphere, affecting plant and animal species distribution. These interconnected changes highlight how global warming is not just an atmospheric issue but one that resonates throughout all spheres of Earth.
• Evaluate the evidence supporting the causes of global climate change due to global warming and its implications for future climate scenarios.
  • The evidence for global climate change linked to global warming includes rising temperatures recorded globally, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere measured over decades, and observed phenomena like retreating glaciers and rising sea levels. The implications of these observations suggest a future characterized by more extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity, and significant impacts on agriculture and water resources. Understanding these connections is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and adapting to a changing climate.

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space, thereby warming the planet.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents.

Climate Change: A broader term that encompasses global warming along with other changes in climate patterns that occur over time due to natural and human influences.