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 such as carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon is closely related to the greenhouse effect, where these gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to changes in climate patterns, affecting ecosystems, and presenting challenges for future generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Earth's average temperature has risen by about 1.2 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, mainly due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
2. Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes contribute significantly to the release of greenhouse gases.
3. Global warming leads to severe weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.
4. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
5. Feedback loops, such as the melting of polar ice which reduces the Earth's albedo effect, can exacerbate global warming by causing further temperature increases.

Review Questions

• How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming and what is the role of the greenhouse effect in this process?
  • Greenhouse gases contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere through the greenhouse effect. When sunlight reaches the Earth’s surface, it is converted into heat energy that radiates back into space. However, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane absorb this heat and re-radiate it back towards the surface. This process increases Earth’s average temperature over time and leads to various climate-related changes.
• What are some significant impacts of global warming on climate patterns and ecosystems across the globe?
  • Global warming significantly alters climate patterns by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall. These changes disrupt ecosystems by affecting species distribution and migration patterns. Additionally, rising temperatures can lead to habitat loss and extinction for vulnerable species while also impacting agriculture and water resources for human populations.
• Evaluate the future challenges posed by global warming and how they could affect human societies and natural systems.
  • Global warming presents a multitude of future challenges, including increased sea levels that threaten coastal cities, changes in agricultural productivity due to shifting climates, and heightened competition for water resources. Human health is also at risk due to heatwaves and the spread of diseases associated with warmer temperatures. Furthermore, these challenges could lead to social unrest as populations are displaced or resources become scarce. Addressing these issues requires significant global cooperation and sustainable practices to mitigate further warming.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, which contribute significantly to global warming.

Climate Change: Long-term shifts and alterations in temperature and weather patterns, often linked to global warming and its effects on the planet.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents.