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 (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities release greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Global Warming
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- By Sæbjörn Leafslayer
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The consequences of global warming are widespread and include:
1. **Rising temperatures:** Global average temperatures have been increasing steadily, leading to heatwaves and more frequent and severe heat-related illnesses and deaths.
2. **Melting ice and rising sea levels:** The warming climate causes polar ice caps and glaciers to melt, contributing to rising sea levels. This threatens coastal communities, habitats, and infrastructure.
3. **Extreme weather events:** Global warming is associated with an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, typhoons, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
4. **Disruption of ecosystems:** Changes in temperature and weather patterns disrupt ecosystems, leading to shifts in habitats, loss of biodiversity, and threats to food and water resources.
5. **Ocean acidification:** Increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere also lead to higher CO2 levels in the oceans, causing ocean acidification. This has detrimental effects on marine life, particularly coral reefs and shell-forming organisms.
Addressing global warming requires collective action on a global scale. Efforts include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, implementing policies to promote sustainable land use and transportation, and fostering international cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement. Individuals can also contribute by adopting sustainable practices in their daily lives, such as reducing energy consumption, using public transportation, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and advocating for climate action.
