Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This phenomenon is a key aspect of climate change and has significant implications for environmental health, weather patterns, and ecosystems worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the late 19th century, Earth's average temperature has risen by about 1.2 degrees Celsius (2.2 degrees Fahrenheit), primarily due to human activities.
2. The burning of fossil fuels for energy is the largest single source of global warming emissions, significantly increasing atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
3. Melting glaciers and ice sheets contribute to rising sea levels, which pose threats to coastal communities and ecosystems around the world.
4. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, heatwaves, and heavy rainfall, have become more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.
5. Addressing global warming requires international cooperation and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.

Review Questions

• How do human activities contribute to global warming, and what are some of the primary greenhouse gases involved?
  • Human activities contribute to global warming mainly through the burning of fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, particularly carbon dioxide from coal, oil, and natural gas combustion, as well as methane from livestock digestion and landfills. The increase in these gases traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in Earth's average temperature.
• Discuss the potential environmental impacts of global warming on ecosystems and biodiversity.
  • Global warming poses serious threats to ecosystems and biodiversity through habitat loss, changes in species distribution, and increased extinction risks. As temperatures rise, many species may struggle to adapt to the new conditions or migrate to cooler areas. Additionally, altered weather patterns can disrupt food chains and seasonal behaviors in wildlife. The loss of biodiversity can compromise ecosystem resilience, impacting services like pollination, water purification, and climate regulation.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international agreements aimed at combating global warming and their impact on policy changes in different countries.
  • International agreements like the Paris Agreement have aimed to unite countries in the fight against global warming by setting emission reduction targets. The effectiveness of these agreements depends on countries' commitment to their goals and the implementation of policies that promote renewable energy use and emissions reductions. While some countries have made significant progress toward their targets, others struggle with political and economic challenges that hinder meaningful action. The disparity in progress highlights the need for collective responsibility and cooperation among nations to address global warming effectively.

Related terms

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

climate change: Long-term shifts and alterations in temperature and weather patterns, which can be caused by natural processes or human activities.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.