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 is closely linked to climate regulation and the carbon cycle, as these gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to changes in weather patterns and disruptions in ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, primarily due to human activities.
2. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and deforestation are major contributors to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
3. Global warming has led to significant impacts such as rising sea levels, more frequent and intense weather events, and shifts in biodiversity.
4. The carbon cycle plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate by controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
5. Mitigation strategies for global warming include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and enhancing carbon sinks like forests.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to global warming through the carbon cycle?
  • Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation significantly disrupt the carbon cycle by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This leads to enhanced greenhouse effect, trapping more heat and resulting in higher global temperatures. Additionally, deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb carbon dioxide, further exacerbating the problem.
• Discuss the connection between global warming and changes in weather patterns.
  • Global warming is closely linked to changes in weather patterns as increased temperatures affect atmospheric circulation and moisture distribution. This can lead to more extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall. As a result, regions may experience shifts in their typical climates, impacting agriculture, water supply, and ecosystems.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of global warming on Earth's ecosystems and human societies.
  • The long-term consequences of global warming could be severe for both ecosystems and human societies. Ecosystems may face disruptions as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing climates, potentially leading to extinctions and loss of biodiversity. For human societies, these changes could result in increased food insecurity due to crop failures, displacement of populations due to rising sea levels, and heightened health risks from heatwaves and disease spread. Addressing global warming is essential to mitigate these impacts and ensure a sustainable future.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect by absorbing infrared radiation, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

carbon cycle: The natural process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.

climate change: Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system.