What is Global Warming?

Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the temperature near the earth’s surface. This
phenomenon has been observed over the past one or two centuries. This change has disturbed the climatic pattern
of the earth. However, the concept of global warming is quite controversial but the scientists have provided relevant
data in support of the fact that the temperature of the earth is rising constantly.
Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet’s overall temperature. Though this warming trend has
been going on for a long time, its pace has significantly increased in the last hundred years due to the burning
of fossil fuels. As the human population has increased, so has the volume of fossil fuels burned. Fossil
fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and burning them causes what is known as the “greenhouse effect” in
Earth’s atmosphere.

The greenhouse effect is when the sun’s rays penetrate the atmosphere, but when that heat is reflected off the
surface cannot escape back into space. Gases produced by the burning of fossil fuels prevent the heat from
leaving the atmosphere. These greenhouse gasses are carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons,
water vapor, methane, and nitrous oxide. The excess heat in the atmosphere has caused the average global
temperature to rise overtime, otherwise known as global warming.

Global warming has presented another issue called climate change. Sometimes these phrases are used
interchangeably, however, they are different. Climate change refers to changes in weather patterns and
growing seasons around the world. It also refers to sea level rise caused by the expansion of warmer seas and
melting ice sheets and glaciers. Global warming causes climate change, which poses a serious threat to life on
Earth in the forms of widespread flooding and extreme weather. Scientists continue to study global warming
and its impact on Earth.

Causes of Global Warming

There are several causes of global warming, which have a negative effect on humans, plants and animals. These
causes may be natural or might be the outcome of human activities

Following are the major causes of global warming:

Man-made Causes of Global Warming
Deforestation

Use of Vehicles

Chlorofluorocarbon

Industrial Development

Agriculture

Overpopulation

Natural Causes of Global Warming

Volcanoes

Water Vapour

Melting Permafrost

Forest Blazes

Effects of Global Warming

One of the most immediate and obvious consequences of global warming is the increase in
temperatures around the world. The average global temperature has increased by about 1.4
degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) over the past 100 years, according to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Following are the major effects of global warming:

Rise in Temperature
Threats to the Ecosystem
Climate Change
Spread of Diseases
High Mortality Rates
Loss of Natural Habitat

How can we control global warming?

The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is the major cause of global
warming. It can be reduced by setting a high price of carbon, increasing the biofuels production from organic waste,
use of renewable energy like solar and wind power, safeguarding forests and improving energy efficiency and
vehicle fuel economy.

Measures to solve global warming:

1. Reduced deforestation means halting the conversion of planted areas into non-planted areas, or in
other words, halting the cutting down of trees that provide us with clean air and a healthy
environment, as well as preventing various diseases.

2. Afforestation is the process of planting more trees or restoring a forest.

3. Sustainable transportation entails lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

4. We can encourage people to use public transportation and carpool, as well as electric and
hydrogen vehicles.

5. Reducing the use of fossil fuels.

6. Reduced emissions of greenhouse gases into the environment.