Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, especially the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon is a significant aspect of climate change and has profound implications for weather patterns, ecosystems, and the overall health of the planet.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global warming is primarily driven by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
2. The increase in global temperatures affects polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to rising sea levels that can threaten coastal communities worldwide.
3. Climate models predict that if current trends continue, global temperatures could rise by 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century.
4. Global warming can lead to extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, which pose risks to human health and safety.
5. Efforts to mitigate global warming include transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and implementing policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to global warming and what are the primary greenhouse gases involved?
  • Human activities contribute significantly to global warming mainly through the burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry. This combustion releases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which are the primary greenhouse gases responsible for trapping heat in the atmosphere. Deforestation also exacerbates this issue by reducing the number of trees that can absorb CO2, further increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases.
• Discuss the potential impacts of global warming on weather patterns and ecosystems.
  • Global warming can lead to altered weather patterns that result in more frequent and severe weather events such as storms, floods, and droughts. Ecosystems are also affected as species struggle to adapt to changing temperatures and shifting habitats. Some species may face extinction if they cannot migrate or adapt quickly enough, leading to a loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecological balance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies aimed at mitigating global warming and propose additional solutions.
  • Current strategies aimed at mitigating global warming include transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, and enforcing regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions. While these efforts show promise, their effectiveness can be limited by political will, economic constraints, and technological challenges. Additional solutions could involve enhancing carbon capture technologies, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and increasing public awareness and education on climate issues to foster grassroots movements for environmental change.

Related terms

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

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually measured in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.

climate change: A broader term that encompasses changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other atmospheric conditions caused by both natural processes and human activities, including global warming.