Global warming definition, causes and effects

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global warming definition, causes and effects

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Global Warming: Definition, Causes, and Effects

Definition:

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature primarily due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. This phenomenon leads to climate change, which has far-reaching impacts on the environment and ecosystems.

Causes:

  1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat radiated by the Earth, causing the planet’s temperature to rise.

  2. Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink. Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2, leading to higher levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

  3. Industrial Processes: Industrial activities contribute to global warming by releasing greenhouse gases and other pollutants into the air. Manufacturing processes, transportation, and electricity generation are major sources of emissions.

Effects:

  1. Rising Sea Levels: Global warming contributes to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, leading to rising sea levels. This poses a threat to coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

  2. Extreme Weather Events: Changes in temperature patterns can result in more frequent and severe weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, floods, and heatwaves. These events can have devastating impacts on both human populations and the environment.

  3. Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change disrupts ecosystems and habitats, leading to loss of biodiversity. Species may struggle to adapt to rapidly changing conditions, resulting in population declines and extinction.

  4. Health Impacts: Global warming can also have direct impacts on human health. Increased temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, the spread of diseases, and poor air quality, exacerbating respiratory conditions.

In conclusion, global warming is a pressing environmental issue caused by human activities that have far-reaching consequences on our planet. Addressing this challenge requires collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote sustainable practices, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.