Global Warming

1.0Global Warming Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily due to greenhouse gases released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.

2.0Global Warming Notes

Global Warming Notes explain the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to excessive greenhouse gas emissions. The causes of global warming include the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial activities, and increased use of vehicles, which lead to the enhanced greenhouse effect.

These notes also use a global warming diagram to clearly illustrate how greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere, making the concept easy to understand for exam preparation and quick revision.

3.0What is Global Warming?

• Global warming refers to the gradual rise in Earth's average surface temperature over an extended period, primarily driven by human activities. It stems from the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the Sun, leading to a phenomenon known as the greenhouse effect.
• The increased concentration of greenhouse gases is chiefly attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and agricultural practices. These activities intensify the greenhouse effect, causing Earth's climate to change. This change manifests in various ways, including rising global temperatures, the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, sea level rise, more frequent and severe weather events (like hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts), disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity, and shifts in agricultural patterns.

4.0Global Warming Diagram

5.0Causes of Global Warming

Some of the leading causes of global warming include:

1. Man-Made Causes of Global Warming

• Deforestation: Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Deforestation, primarily for agricultural purposes, reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO₂, leading to increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and other atmospheric pollutants, contributing significantly to global warming.

• Industrial Processes: Certain industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing, release large amounts of greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane. Additionally, the production and use of synthetic chemicals contribute to global warming.

• Agriculture: Agricultural practices, including livestock farming and rice cultivation, produce methane emissions. The use of fertilizers also releases nitrous oxide (N₂O), another potent greenhouse gas.
• Industrialization and Urbanization: The growth of industrial activities and urban areas increases energy demand, leading to more fossil fuel consumption and higher greenhouse gas emissions.

2. Natural Causes of Global Warming

• Solar Variability: Changes in the Sun's energy output can influence Earth's climate over long timescales. Although variations in solar radiation are relatively small, they can still contribute to changes in Earth's climate patterns.
• Volcanic Activity: Major volcanic eruptions release large amounts of gases and particulates into the atmosphere, including sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and ash. These aerosols can reflect sunlight back into space, temporarily cooling the planet. However, the overall impact of volcanic activity on global warming is relatively small compared to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

• Natural Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and decomposition of organic matter release greenhouse gases such as CO₂, methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere. While these emissions contribute to natural fluctuations in greenhouse gas concentrations, they are generally balanced by natural processes that absorb these gases, such as photosynthesis and ocean uptake.

6.0Effects of Global Warming

• Rising temperatures: Global warming leads to an overall increase in temperatures worldwide, resulting in more frequent and intense heat waves. This can have serious health implications, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
• Melting ice caps and glaciers: The warming climate causes glaciers and ice caps to melt at an accelerated rate, contributing to rising sea levels. This can lead to coastal erosion, loss of habitat for polar animals like polar bears, and increased flooding in low-lying areas.

• Sea level rise: As glaciers and ice caps melt and ocean water expands due to higher temperatures, sea levels rise. This poses a significant threat to coastal communities, with increased risk of flooding, saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources, and displacement of populations.

• Extreme weather events: Global warming is linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, wildfires, and heavy rainfall. These events can cause widespread destruction of infrastructure, loss of life, and disruption to ecosystems and economies.
• Changes in precipitation patterns: Climate change alters precipitation patterns, leading to changes in rainfall distribution and intensity. Some regions may experience more frequent and intense rainfall, leading to flooding and landslides, while others may face prolonged droughts, impacting agriculture, water supply, and food security.
• Loss of biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems and threatens biodiversity by altering habitats, migration patterns, and the timing of natural events such as flowering and breeding. Many species are already experiencing declines in population numbers or facing extinction due to habitat loss and changing environmental conditions.
• Health risks: Global warming exacerbates health risks through increased exposure to heat-related illnesses, air pollution, waterborne diseases, and vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever. Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, are most at risk.

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