Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature. It is primarily caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space. The most significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes.
The increase in global temperatures has various consequences, including:
- Melting ice: Rising temperatures cause glaciers, ice caps, and polar ice to melt, leading to rising sea levels and loss of habitat for species that depend on ice.
- Extreme weather events: Global warming can intensify extreme weather events such as heatwaves, hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall, increasing the frequency and severity of these events.
- Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by the oceans leads to acidification, which negatively affects marine ecosystems and coral reefs.
- Ecosystem disruptions: Species are affected by changing climate conditions, with shifts in their habitats, migration patterns, and interactions with other species.
- Agricultural impacts: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can impact crop yields, water availability for agriculture, and the spread of pests and diseases.
Addressing global warming requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, conserving forests, promoting sustainable practices, and adopting climate-resilient strategies. International cooperation and individual efforts are crucial to mitigate the effects of global warming and protect the planet for future generations.