What Is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the rise in the average temperature of the earth. It is caused by the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases collect in Earth’s atmosphere and absorb sunlight & solar radiation that have bounced off the Earth’s surface. Normally this radiation would escape into space, but these gases make a layer around the Earth’s surface to trap the heat that reflects back into the air. In this way, these gases act like the insulating jacket that traps heat from your body and keeps you warm.

But did you know? The greenhouse effect makes our Earth a comfortable place to live. Yes, you’ve heard it right! If we had no atmosphere, which traps heat on its surface, the average temperature of Earth would be about 0 C (32 F). We need some greenhouse gasses to be in the atmosphere, but the problem is that certain human
activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes are putting more carbon dioxide into our atmosphere which is warming up the Earth, potentially too much.

Due to the greenhouse effect, the average temperature of the earth has increased by 0.8º Celsius (33.4°
Fahrenheit) at the beginning of the 20th century. If no action is taken, it will have harmful consequences for the humanity and ecosystem. If you are reading this blog, you have already taken the very first step to protect Mother Earth from the harmful impacts of global warming.

From the above discussion, I hope you have gained great insight into the phenomenon of Global warming. So let’s move on to some of the major causes, effects, and solutions of global warming.

Causes of Global Warming

Deforestation: Trees also play a crucial role in regulating the climate because they absorb carbon
dioxide from the air through photosynthesis and release fresh oxygen in exchange. They help cool the
planet by storing harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into their trunks, branches, and leaves.
But unfortunately, trees are going less day by day. They are cut down for many domestic and
commercial purposes, causing around 10% of global warming. Without any doubt, we can clearly say
that deforestation is a major cause of global warming.

Burning of Fossil Fuels: When we burn fossil fuels, greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere.
Green gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, behave like a blanket that absorbs
infrared radiation from the Sun in the form of heat, leading to a gradual increase in the Earth’s average
temperature.

Agriculture: The greenhouse gases emitted from agriculture are methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon
dioxide. While CO2 is the primary gas emitted by most other industries, the major greenhouse gases
released by various farming activities are CH4 and N2O. Ruminant animals such as cows, sheep, and
goats produce methane (CH4) during digestion whereas N2O is produced by the release of
nitrogen-based fertilizers. Both Methane and Nitrous oxide are powerful greenhouse gases which have a
higher global warming potential than CO2. So we can’t deny the fact that agriculture significantly
contributes to global warming and climate change.

Industrial Development: Industrialization is one of the biggest contributors to climate change and
global warming, releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The harmful
emissions from sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals release significant amounts of carbon
dioxide (CO2) into the air. According to the latest data provided by the World Resources Institute
(WRI), the production of metals such as iron, steel, and aluminum is collectively responsible for over
5% of all greenhouse gas emissions. Well, I am not saying that industrialization is totally wrong,
Industrialization usually leads to economic growth, job creation, and urbanization, but its negative
impacts on the environment need to be addressed through sustainable practices and technological
innovations.

Effects of Global Warming

Increase Global Temperature: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA), over the past 100 years, the average global temperature has increased by 1.4 degrees
Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius). The warmer temperatures affect weather patterns, ecosystems, and
human health.

Extreme Weather Events: Due to the increase in average global temperature, we can observe more
intense and frequent extreme weather events in real-time in many places, including heatwaves, droughts,
and heavy rainfall.

Melting Glaciers: The Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets are melting at unprecedented rates. This
process is not only contributing to rising sea levels, but also affecting global climate patterns,
ecosystems, and human societies.

Sea Level Rise: A rise in sea levels is a major effect of climate change. Higher sea levels in the future will
cause serious threats to coastal communities such as flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion into
freshwater resources.

Solutions To Solve Global Warming

Switch To Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power produce
electricity without emitting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide (N2O).
You can significantly reduce the adverse effect of global warming, By installing residential renewable
energy systems, such as geothermal heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, wind turbines, and solar ovens.

Plant Trees: Planting trees around your home or neighborhood is an effective strategy for mitigating
global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere during photosynthesis and
release 100% pure oxygen, which is what we breathe. As trees grow, they help stop global warming by
removing carbon dioxide from the air, storing carbon in storing carbon in their trunks, branches, leaves,
and roots.

Use Electric Vehicles: To have a positive effect on the environment, use hydrogen-based or
battery-powered electric vehicles for short-distance travel whenever possible. Ordinary vehicles burn
fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other
toxins into the atmosphere, whereas electric vehicles have an even lower environmental impact
compared to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. By using electric vehicles for day-to-day tasks, you can
significantly mitigate global warming and reduce your overall carbon footprint associated with
transportation.

Take Vegetarian Diet: Eating a healthy plant-based diet can significantly contribute to reducing global
warming. As you know production of plant-based foods takes less energy compared to animal
agriculture. So by incorporating a vegetarian diet into your routine, you are indirectly reducing
greenhouse gas emissions associated with animal agriculture.

Stop Using Plastic Bags: Plastic is non-biodegradable as it does not decompose into the soil, leading
to environmental pollution and damage. Avoiding the use of single-use plastics will reduce your carbon
footprint and contribute to a healthier planet for current and future generations.

Conclusion

Global warming is likely to be one of the most crucial environmental challenges we are facing in the 21st
century. From natural ecosystems to human societies, Global warming affects nearly every aspect of the planet. However, we can significantly reduce the adverse effects of global warming through international cooperation, innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and a commitment to address current and future climate threats.