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 increase in temperature is closely linked to climate change, which influences weather patterns and leads to more extreme conditions, affecting both heat waves and cold waves, as well as exacerbating natural disasters.

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, mainly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.
2. Global warming is linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including more intense heat waves and severe storms.
3. Ice caps and glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures, contributing to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities.
4. Agricultural patterns are shifting because of global warming, impacting food security and leading to crop failures in some regions.
5. The phenomenon also affects ecosystems; species are migrating to cooler areas or facing extinction as their habitats become unsuitable.

Review Questions

• How does global warming contribute to the occurrence of extreme temperatures such as heat waves?
  • Global warming increases the average temperature of the Earth, which can lead to more frequent and intense heat waves. As temperatures rise, the conditions that create a heat wave become more common, such as high pressure systems that trap warm air over an area. This connection illustrates how the overall warming trend influences specific weather patterns that result in extreme temperature events.
• In what ways does global warming exacerbate the impacts of natural disasters?
  • Global warming intensifies natural disasters by increasing their frequency and severity. For instance, warmer ocean temperatures can lead to stronger hurricanes, while higher atmospheric temperatures can enhance drought conditions. Additionally, increased rainfall from climate change can cause flooding. These interactions highlight how global warming acts as a catalyst for disasters that can devastate communities and ecosystems.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of global warming on both human populations and natural environments.
  • The long-term implications of global warming on human populations include increased health risks from heat-related illnesses, food insecurity due to altered agricultural productivity, and displacement from rising sea levels. For natural environments, ecosystems face disruption as species struggle to adapt to changing climates, leading to loss of biodiversity. These effects underscore the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental health in the face of ongoing climate change.

Related terms

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

climate change: Long-term shifts and alterations in temperature and weather patterns, often attributed to global warming and human activity.

heat wave: A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity, often intensified by global warming.