Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This phenomenon is a key driver of climate change, leading to various environmental impacts such as altered weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the late 19th century, Earth's average temperature has increased by about 1.2 degrees Celsius due to human activities.
2. The burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing significantly to global warming.
3. Melting ice caps and glaciers are a direct consequence of global warming, leading to rising sea levels that threaten coastal communities worldwide.
4. Changes in ecosystems and wildlife habitats are also observed as species struggle to adapt to the rapid temperature increases caused by global warming.
5. Addressing global warming requires international cooperation through agreements like the Paris Accord, which aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius.

Review Questions

• How does global warming influence weather patterns and extreme weather events?
  • Global warming affects weather patterns by increasing temperatures and altering atmospheric circulation. This leads to more intense and frequent extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall. The changing climate disrupts established weather systems, causing unpredictable shifts that can have serious consequences for ecosystems and human populations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of international efforts to combat global warming and their impact on climate change mitigation.
  • International efforts like the Paris Accord aim to unite countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature rise. While these agreements have led to some progress, challenges remain due to differing national interests and levels of commitment. Overall, their effectiveness relies on collective action and the implementation of sustainable practices across nations to ensure meaningful reductions in emissions.
• Assess the long-term implications of global warming for biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
  • The long-term implications of global warming on biodiversity include habitat loss, species extinction, and disrupted ecosystems. As temperatures rise and weather patterns change, many species may struggle to adapt or migrate to suitable habitats. This loss of biodiversity can destabilize ecosystems, leading to reduced resilience against environmental changes and compromising vital ecosystem services that support human life.

Related terms

greenhouse effect:

The natural process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.

climate change:

A broader term that encompasses changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions over an extended period, largely driven by global warming.

carbon footprint:

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, or product, typically measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.