Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This phenomenon is closely tied to the greenhouse effect, where these gases trap heat from the sun, preventing it from escaping back into space, thus leading to a gradual rise in temperatures worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global temperatures have risen approximately 1.2°C since the late 19th century due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases.
2. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is the largest source of anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Melting ice caps and glaciers are direct consequences of global warming, contributing to rising sea levels and habitat loss for polar species.
4. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense as a result of global warming.
5. International agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global warming to well below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels to mitigate its impacts.

Review Questions

• How does the greenhouse effect relate to global warming and what role do human activities play in this process?
  • The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of these greenhouse gases, enhancing the greenhouse effect. This enhancement leads to higher average global temperatures, resulting in global warming, which affects climate systems worldwide.
• Evaluate the potential environmental impacts of global warming on polar ecosystems.
  • Global warming poses significant threats to polar ecosystems through rising temperatures and melting ice. As glaciers and sea ice diminish, habitats for species like polar bears and seals are lost, disrupting food chains and biodiversity. Additionally, changes in ocean temperatures can affect fish populations that rely on stable conditions, leading to cascading effects throughout marine ecosystems.
• Propose a comprehensive strategy for reducing global warming that incorporates both technological innovations and policy measures.
  • To effectively reduce global warming, a comprehensive strategy should combine technological innovations with robust policy measures. Technological advancements could include developing renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to replace fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency in industries and homes, and investing in carbon capture technologies. Simultaneously, policies should promote sustainable practices through incentives for low-carbon technologies, stricter emissions regulations, and international cooperation on climate agreements. Public awareness campaigns can also engage communities in adopting sustainable behaviors, creating a multifaceted approach to tackle global warming.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which contribute to global warming.

Climate Change: A broader term encompassing changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and other climate-related phenomena resulting from global warming.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organization, or activity, usually measured in equivalent tons of CO2.