Global Warming and its Causes

Global Warming

Global Warming refers to the gradual increase in the temperature of the atmosphere of the earth over the past one to two centuries. This change has disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth. However the global warming is controversial but since mid 20th century, climate scientists have gathered detailed observations of various weather phenomena such as temperature, precipitation, and storm and of related influences on climate. These data indicate that the earth’s climate has changed over an almost conceivable time scale.

Causes Of Global warming

There are several causes of global warming which give negative effects on humans.

The Greenhouse Effect

Some of the infrared radiation from the sun passes into the atmosphere, but some gases are absorbed and some gases are re-emitted in all directions through greenhouse gases like- Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Carbon dioxide(CO2), Methane(CH4), and Ozone(O3). and clouds. This greenhouse impacts the temperature of the earth’s surface and leads to increase global warming.

Deforestation & Tree Clearing

Deforestation means to decrease the number of forests across the world that is lost for other uses such as agricultural croplands. The plant plays an important role in our life. They give oxygen to us and take carbon dioxide from us and keep ecological balance. Without plants survival of life in this world is very tough, but humans clear vast areas of vegetation around the world for farming. People sell tree products such as timber and palm oil. Forest is being depleted for domestic animal and commercial purposes. When the forest is burnt carbon dioxide (CO2) gas release back into the atmosphere and they lead to a rise in global warming.

Use Of Vehicle

The use of vehicles is also one of the causes for increasing temperature in the atmosphere, vehicle burns fossil fuel which emits carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and this gives rise to an increase in temperature.

Chlorofluorocarbon

Excessive use of air conditioner and refrigerator release chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere, and this gas is responsible for ozone layer depletion. Ozone protects the earth from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. This ultraviolet increases the temperature of the earth and leads to global warming.

Industrial Gas

The temperature of the atmosphere is also increasing by the accumulation of harmful gases like nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases (Halocarbon) releasing by factories, this results in to increase in global warming.

Agriculture & farming

Animals, livestock like sheep and cattle release methane which is a greenhouse gas. When these animals grazed at a large scale they increase the methane gas in the atmosphere and increase global warming.

Overpopulation

Population increasing is one of the causes of global warming. If the population will increase the carbon dioxide gas in the temperature by breathing and carbon dioxide is also a greenhouse gas.

Volcanoes

Volcanoes contribute a major role in global warming. During volcano eruption, harmful gases are released into the atmosphere and they increase global warming.

Permafrost

Permafrost i.e permanently frozen layers on the earth’s surface. The melting of permafrost increases global warming. Glaciers are present in the permafrost and it traps many gases in it for several years. Hence when the glacier melts it emits gases that increase global warming.

Water Vapour

Water vapour is the most potent greenhouse gas. Due to the increase in the temperature of the atmosphere more water gets evaporated from the water bodies and stays in the atmosphere adding to global warming.

Frequently Asked Question

Question- What is the Greenhouse effect?
Answer– The Greenhouse effect happens when certain gases greenhouse gases like CO2, Fluorinated gas ( Chlorofluorocarbon), N2O collect naturally in the atmosphere. This effect is known as the greenhouse effect.

Question- What is the difference between climate change and global warming?
Answer– Global warming refers to the long-term warming of the planet. Climate change encompasses global warming but refers to the broader range of changes that are happening to our planet, including rising sea levels, shrinking mountain glaciers, accelerating ice melt in Greenland, Antarctica, and the Arctic, and shifts in flower/plant blooming times.

Question- Is the sun causing global warming?
Answer– No, the Sun can influence the earth’s climate, but it is not responsible for the warming trend we’ve seen in recent decades.

Question- How does global warming affect human health?
Answer– It increases illnesses such as heat, stress, and different type of diseases- cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, borne infection, etc.

Question- What is greenhouse gases?
Answer– A greenhouse gas is a gas that absorbs and emits radiant energy within the thermal infrared range causing the greenhouse effect.

Conclusion

Global Warming is a big challenge for us and we can face a big problem in the next century. It is our primary responsibility to take necessary actions to control this problem so that we could save our planet in the future.

Disclaimer

This content is for general information purpose only.

References

www.nrdc.org, www.byjus.com, www.wwf.org.au, www.britannica.com