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 primarily driven by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. The consequences of global warming include shifts in climate patterns, rising sea levels, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, which directly impact environmental health and sustainability efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global temperatures have increased by approximately 1.1 degrees Celsius since the late 19th century, primarily due to human activities.
2. Melting polar ice caps and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
3. Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves have become more frequent and severe due to the impacts of global warming.
4. Ocean acidification is a consequence of increased CO2 absorption by oceans, harming marine life and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
5. Addressing global warming requires international cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Review Questions

• How does global warming influence environmental consequences such as biodiversity loss?
  • Global warming significantly impacts biodiversity by altering habitats and ecosystems. Rising temperatures can lead to species migration as organisms search for suitable climates, disrupting local ecosystems. Additionally, increased frequency of extreme weather events can result in habitat destruction, threatening vulnerable species with extinction. The resulting loss of biodiversity can destabilize ecosystems, making them less resilient to further changes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies aimed at mitigating global warming and their potential long-term impact on sustainability.
  • Current strategies to mitigate global warming include transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms. These strategies show promise in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development. However, their effectiveness relies on widespread adoption across various sectors globally. Long-term impact hinges on international collaboration and commitment to sustainable practices that not only address emissions but also enhance resilience against climate change effects.
• Assess the role of individual actions in combating global warming within the broader context of climate change policies.
  • Individual actions play a crucial role in combating global warming by reducing personal carbon footprints through choices such as using public transportation, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable products. While these actions may seem small compared to industrial emissions, collectively they can drive significant change. This grassroots movement can influence larger climate change policies by demonstrating public demand for sustainable practices and pressing governments and corporations to implement comprehensive strategies that address the urgency of global warming.

Related terms

greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), which significantly contribute to global warming.

climate change: Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, closely linked to global warming and affecting ecosystems and human societies.

carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, typically expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.