Global warming

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane. This phenomenon is closely linked to atmospheric circulation and climate systems, as it affects weather patterns, ocean currents, and overall climate stability across the globe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Global warming is primarily caused by the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that increase concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
2. One significant consequence of global warming is the alteration of atmospheric circulation patterns, which can lead to extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and heavy rainfall.
3. The melting of polar ice caps and glaciers due to rising temperatures contributes to sea-level rise, impacting coastal communities around the world.
4. Ocean currents are also affected by global warming, which can disrupt marine ecosystems and affect fisheries and weather systems globally.
5. Mitigating global warming involves international agreements like the Paris Agreement, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

Review Questions

• How does global warming impact atmospheric circulation patterns?
  • Global warming affects atmospheric circulation by altering temperature gradients between the equator and poles. As the planet warms, this can lead to more extreme weather patterns and shifts in wind currents. Changes in these patterns can result in increased storm intensity, altered precipitation distribution, and prolonged droughts in certain regions.
• Discuss the relationship between global warming and ocean currents, including potential consequences.
  • Global warming influences ocean currents by changing water temperature and salinity. Warmer waters can alter the density-driven processes that sustain major currents like the Gulf Stream. This disruption may lead to severe consequences such as shifts in marine biodiversity, altered fish migration patterns, and changes in weather systems that rely on these currents for stability.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current international policies aimed at combating global warming and their implications for future climate stability.
  • Current international policies like the Paris Agreement aim to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While these agreements represent significant progress toward collective action against global warming, their effectiveness is often hampered by differing national interests and commitments. Analyzing their implementation reveals both successes in promoting renewable energy initiatives and challenges related to enforcement and compliance that could jeopardize future climate stability if not addressed.

Related terms

Greenhouse Effect: The process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, preventing it from escaping back into space and thus warming the planet.

Climate Change: Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions on Earth, which can be attributed to global warming as well as natural factors.

Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalents.