Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This rise in temperature is a key driver of climate change, influencing weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems worldwide, which has led to international efforts to mitigate its impacts through various climate negotiations and agreements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, largely due to human activities.
2. Melting ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and ecosystems around the world.
3. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves have become more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.
4. International agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat global warming.
5. Scientists warn that if global temperatures rise by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, the consequences could be catastrophic for both humans and wildlife.

Review Questions

• How does global warming impact weather patterns and what are some observable consequences?
  • Global warming significantly alters weather patterns by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. For example, rising temperatures can lead to stronger hurricanes, prolonged droughts, and heavier rainfall. These changes can disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, and water supplies, illustrating how interconnected climate systems are affected by rising global temperatures.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international climate agreements in addressing global warming.
  • International climate agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to unite countries in their efforts to combat global warming by setting specific targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While these agreements have raised awareness and encouraged collaboration among nations, their effectiveness varies significantly depending on compliance and commitment from individual countries. Critics argue that without enforceable measures and accountability, progress towards meaningful reductions in emissions may be insufficient to meet global temperature targets.
• Assess the potential long-term implications of global warming on biodiversity and human societies if current trends continue.
  • If current trends of global warming continue, the long-term implications for biodiversity could be severe, with many species facing extinction due to habitat loss and changing ecosystems. Additionally, human societies may experience increased food insecurity as agricultural yields decline under changing climatic conditions. Coastal communities could be displaced due to rising sea levels, creating climate refugees. The convergence of these factors poses significant challenges for governance and resource management in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

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

climate change: The long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, largely driven by global warming.

Paris Agreement: An international treaty adopted in 2015 aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.