Global warming definition
Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to human beings releasing various greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It harms many parts of the globe. Because of global warming, the melting of glaciers results in rising sea levels. When the sea level rises, it creates a risk to those living in areas with low elevation.
Sources of global warming
Natural sources
Many natural processes lead to global warming, like fires in the forests, permafrost, water vapours and many animals. Fires in forests release carbon-rich smoke into the air, and the growth of new forests is not steady and slow enough to remove the vital oxygen into the exhausting carbon in the atmosphere. The natural forest fires will eventually finish through their time, however, buried in the ashes, they pollute gases trapped in the air.
Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer located on or beneath the surface of the Earth. It comprises dirt, gravel, and sand, typically joined by ice. Permafrost typically remains at or less than zero degrees Celsius (32oF) for at minimum two years. As the permafrost melts, the soil cannot hold its capacity to support a load. Additionally, the organic carbon stored in the ground breaks down more quickly into greenhouse gases, like CO 2. methane, that contribute to global warming.
Water vapour gas is by far the most significant greenhouse gas in the air, both in volume and weight. Water vapour gas is a potent greenhouse gas because it can absorb long-wave radiation and then releases it back to the Earth, causal to warming. Compare with other greenhouse gases, it remain within the air for a smaller time. Most water vapour stays at the surface over many days (before it precipitates), unlike other greenhouse gasses, like methane and carbon dioxide, which remain within the air for longer, contributing to warming over a more extended period.
Animals breathe methane and carbon dioxide; their contribution is minuscule compared to humans and their use of non-renewable fuels. The emission of carbon dioxide, however, while minor, is an element that is naturally responsible for releasing more carbon dioxide into the air.
Global warming as a result of human activities
Industrialization
Population growth is accelerating, and industrialization is also the cause of global warming because of the higher levels of harmful emissions. An increase in population results in increased demand for goods and services in addition to higher production and consumption. This process results in increased industrialization and, eventually, more greenhouse gases.
2. Fossil fuels
Fossil fuels such as gasoline, coal and natural gas are our major sources of energy, generating the vast mainstream of the energy electric power, heat, in addition to electricity that are used by people all over the globe. They also play a vital role in global warming. Due to its amount of carbon, coal emits the most CO2 than other fossil fuels when burned. It’s also the most significant fuel used to power the grid worldwide. Natural gas generally produces about half the CO2 of coal when it is burned.
3. Usage of fertilizers
The excessive use of nitrogen-based fertilizers in the agricultural sector significantly contributes to nitrous oxide emissions.
The nitrogen left over from the fertilizer that plants don’t utilize mixes with soil and produce dangerous greenhouse gas. Cultivation is responsible for 80 per cent of nitrous oxide productions caused by humans worldwide and 8 to 14 per cent of the greenhouse gases.
4. Deforestation
Plants are the main supply of oxygen. They absorb carbon dioxide, and then release oxygen into the atmosphere, thereby keeping the balance in the atmosphere. The forest is being cleared for a variety of commercial and domestic uses. It has caused unbalance in atmospheric conditions, and this causes global warming to increase.
5. Waste
Disposing and treating waste can result in various greenhouse gasses (GHGs) emissions that can contribute to global climate change. The most significant GHG gas emitted by landfills is methane. Methane is released in the process of breaking down organic material in landfills. Other types of waste disposal also release GHGs however they are primarily in the form of carbon dioxide.
Effects of global warming
Different parts of the natural environment including fauna and flora and are directly affected by the damage that are caused by Global Warming. Being in danger of wildlife is in the end a significant danger to the future of our species in the present today and its future.
The effects of Global Warming are widely seen during this decade. The shrinkage of glaciers and the arctic are two typical phenomena observed. Glaciers are melting in a speedy manner. This is a clear sign that climate changes are taking place.
The rise in sea levels is another major effect caused by Global Warming. The rise in sea levels causes flooding in low-lying regions. Extreme weather conditions are observed across a variety of nations. Extreme heat, unseasonal rain and wildfires, cold and other are typical throughout the year. The amount of such incidents is rising. This is a sure sign that the ecosystem and result in of the loss of species.
In the same way marine life is significantly affected by the rise in Global Warming. This has led to the loss of marine species as well as other problems. Additionally, there are changes expected on coral reefs, which are likely to come to an final phase in the coming years.
These impacts will experience an extreme rise in the coming years, which could bring the spread of species to a stop. In addition, humans will be impacted by the negative effects on the environment of Global Warming in the end.
Solutions to global warming
Renewable energy resources
Numerous studies have proven research that shows renewable energy holds the capacity to meet the majority of our energy requirements. We can develop renewable technologies quickly and cost-effectively and generate jobs while reducing pollution. ultimately, it will reduce the rise in global temperatures.
Reduce the use of plastic
Around the world, around 40% of plastic is used to make packaging. The packaging is usually intended for one-time use, making it easy to dispose of. We can recycle these packages in three ways: landfill, incineration, and recycling.
Conserve fossil fuels
Fossil fuels comprise gas, oil, and coal; the more extracted and burned, the more severe climate change becomes. Every country should shift to a non-carbon economy as fast as possible.
If fossil fuels are burnt, they emit vast quantities of carbon dioxide gas, which is a greenhouse gas in our atmosphere. Greenhouse gases absorb heat from our atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Plant more trees
Trees play a significant part in the cycle of carbon. They change CO2 in the air to oxygen utilizing photosynthesis. In this way, they could be considered natural regulators of carbon dioxide. The more trees there are, the less carbon dioxide is in the air and the more oxygen.
Become a climate defender
Adopting a sustainable lifestyle is difficult, especially when it can be challenging to feel our activities genuinely make a difference. We should do something to help reduce global warming. In that case, we usually give up something, whether it’s time, money, or convenience. That is why we must ensure that our sacrifice has a significant impact.
