What is Global Warming?
Its the long-term warming of the planet's overall temperature. This has been going through a long time and the global annual temperature has increased in total by little more than 1 degree Celcius. Between the years 1880 and 1980, it rose on average by 0.07 degrees Celcius every 10 years. However, for the last 40 years, the rate of increase has more than doubled.
The planet has never been hotter. By 2040, we must limit global warming. The causes of this are extreme droughts, wildfires, floods, tropical storms, and other disasters that we refer to as climate change.
What causes global warming?
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and others, trap heat in the earth's atmosphere, leading to a warming effect commonly known as the greenhouse effect.
Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, contribute significantly to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases enhance the natural greenhouse effect, causing an imbalance and leading to an overall warming of the planet.
The consequences of global warming include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves), changes in precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity. Climate change, driven by global warming, poses significant challenges to human societies and the natural world, making it a critical issue that requires global attention and concerted efforts to mitigate its impacts. International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to limit global warming and its associated effects by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
How is global warming linked to extreme weather?
Global warming is linked to extreme weather in several ways:
Increased Temperature:
- Global warming makes average temperatures rise, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
Changes in Precipitation Patterns:
- Warmer temperatures alter rainfall and snowfall, causing more intense storms, floods, and prolonged droughts.
Rising Sea Levels:
- Melting ice from global warming raises sea levels, increasing the risk of coastal flooding and storm surges.
Changes in Atmospheric Circulation:
- Warming can disrupt normal atmospheric circulation, causing prolonged heatwaves or heavy rainfall.
Intensification of Hurricanes and Cyclones:
- Warmer seas fuel stronger tropical storms, hurricanes, and cyclones with higher wind speeds and more rainfall.