Global temperature rise

Definition

Global temperature rise refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature, primarily attributed to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. This rise in temperature has significant implications for climate patterns, ecosystems, and human societies, driving changes such as more frequent extreme weather events and shifts in biodiversity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the late 19th century, global temperatures have risen about 1.2°C (2.2°F) due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
2. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that human activities are responsible for more than half of the increase in global average surface temperature since 1970.
3. Global temperature rise is linked to rising sea levels, as warmer temperatures cause polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to higher ocean levels.
4. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall have become more frequent and severe due to rising global temperatures.
5. Mitigation strategies such as reducing fossil fuel use and enhancing energy efficiency are essential to limit future temperature increases and combat climate change.

Review Questions

• How does global temperature rise impact weather patterns and extreme weather events?
  • Global temperature rise affects weather patterns by increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. As temperatures climb, warm air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and flooding. Additionally, higher temperatures can cause prolonged heatwaves and droughts. These changes disrupt ecosystems, threaten food security, and challenge infrastructure systems due to their increased intensity.
• What role do greenhouse gases play in contributing to global temperature rise?
  • Greenhouse gases are crucial in driving global temperature rise as they trap heat in the atmosphere. When fossil fuels are burned for energy or land is cleared for agriculture, these gases are released into the atmosphere. The accumulation of greenhouse gases enhances the greenhouse effect, leading to a warming of the Earth's surface. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is vital for mitigating further temperature increases and addressing climate change effectively.
• Evaluate the potential long-term effects of continued global temperature rise on biodiversity and human societies.
  • Continued global temperature rise poses significant long-term risks to biodiversity and human societies. Ecosystems may undergo irreversible changes as species struggle to adapt to shifting climates, resulting in habitat loss and increased extinction rates. Human communities face challenges such as food and water scarcity due to altered agricultural conditions and changing precipitation patterns. Moreover, vulnerable populations are likely to experience heightened risks from health issues related to extreme weather events and rising sea levels. Addressing these issues requires global cooperation and effective climate action strategies.

Related terms

greenhouse gases:

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect and global warming.

climate change:

Long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system, largely driven by human activities.

carbon footprint:

The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide.