Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to

human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This
phenomenon is a subset of climate change, which encompasses a broader range of long-term
alterations in Earth's climate patterns. Here's a comprehensive overview of global warming:

1. Greenhouse Effect: The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps our planet's
surface warm. It occurs when certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere, known as
greenhouse gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor), trap heat from the sun
and prevent it from escaping into space.
2. Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil,
and natural gas), deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly increased the
concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This enhanced greenhouse effect
leads to more heat being trapped, causing the Earth's temperature to rise.
3. Global Warming Causes:
 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels for energy
production, transportation, and industry is the largest source of CO2 emissions.
Land-use changes, like deforestation, also release stored carbon into the
atmosphere.
 Methane (CH4) Emissions: Agriculture, livestock, rice paddies, and the
production and transportation of fossil fuels are major sources of methane
emissions.
 Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions: Agricultural practices, such as the use of
synthetic fertilizers, contribute to nitrous oxide emissions.
 Industrial Processes: Certain industrial activities release greenhouse gases like
hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride
(SF6).
4. Consequences of Global Warming:
 Rising Temperatures: Global warming leads to higher average temperatures,
causing heatwaves and contributing to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers.
 Sea-Level Rise: Melting ice and the thermal expansion of seawater result in rising
sea levels, which threaten coastal communities and ecosystems.
 Extreme Weather Events: Global warming is linked to an increase in the
frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, droughts,
and wildfires.
 Disruption of Ecosystems: Many species are struggling to adapt to rapid
temperature changes, which can lead to shifts in ecosystems and endanger
biodiversity.
 Impacts on Agriculture: Changing climate patterns can disrupt agricultural
systems, affecting food production and food security.
5. Mitigation and Adaptation:
 Mitigation: Mitigation strategies aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These
include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency,
implementing carbon pricing, and reforestation.
 Adaptation: Adaptation involves preparing for and adapting to the inevitable
consequences of global warming. This can include building resilient infrastructure,
developing drought-resistant crop varieties, and relocating vulnerable
communities away from rising sea levels.
6. International Agreements: The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, is a landmark
international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius
 above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Countries that are parties to the agreement have committed to reducing their
greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing their efforts over time.
7. Individual Actions: Individuals can also contribute to mitigating global warming by
reducing energy consumption, conserving water, using public transportation, reducing
meat consumption, and supporting policies and practices that promote sustainability.

Global warming is a critical issue with far-reaching consequences for the environment, society,
and the economy. Addressing it requires a concerted effort at the local, national, and global
levels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changes that are already underway.