Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This warming phenomenon is a crucial aspect of climate change, influencing various environmental systems and interactions, including those related to ecosystems and pollution dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global temperatures have risen approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, primarily due to increased carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels.
2. One major consequence of global warming is the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, which contributes to rising sea levels and threatens coastal ecosystems.
3. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter the distribution and behavior of wildlife, impacting biodiversity and ecosystem health.
4. Increased temperatures can exacerbate air and water pollution, leading to more significant ecotoxicological effects on both terrestrial and aquatic organisms.
5. Global warming poses a threat to food security as shifting climate patterns affect agricultural productivity and increase the frequency of extreme weather events.

Review Questions

• How does global warming influence biodiversity and ecosystem health?
  • Global warming affects biodiversity and ecosystem health by altering habitats and changing species distributions. As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many species may struggle to adapt or migrate to suitable environments, leading to declines or extinctions. Additionally, the stress placed on ecosystems can disrupt food webs and nutrient cycling, further jeopardizing the stability of ecological communities.
• Discuss the impact of global warming on pollution dynamics within aquatic environments.
  • Global warming can significantly affect pollution dynamics in aquatic environments by altering water temperatures and flow patterns. Warmer waters can lead to decreased oxygen levels, which may exacerbate the effects of pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides. Furthermore, increased rainfall intensity due to climate change can lead to higher runoff into waterways, carrying more pollutants into aquatic ecosystems and magnifying their toxic effects on aquatic life.
• Evaluate the potential long-term ecological consequences of failing to address global warming effectively.
  • If global warming is not effectively addressed, the long-term ecological consequences could be severe, leading to widespread habitat loss, reduced biodiversity, and increased frequency of ecological disruptions such as algal blooms and forest die-offs. The resulting shifts in ecosystem structure could impair vital ecosystem services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation. This cascading effect would not only threaten wildlife but also endanger human populations reliant on these ecosystems for food security and clean water.

Related terms

greenhouse effect: The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, leading to a warming effect on the planet's surface.

climate change: Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, driven by both natural factors and human activities.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.