3. Index
– Introduction
– What causes global warming
– Effects of global warming
– How to prevent global warming
– Scientific discussion on global warming
– Facts on global warming
4. Introduction
– he rise in earth’s surface temperature as a consequence of greenhouse effect is
called Global Warming. The thickening of earth atmosphere because of
presence of increased carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is called
greenhouse effect.
5. What causes global
warming?
Deforestation and industrial emissions result to an increase greenhouse gases (such
as carbon-dioxide) around earth’s atmosphere.
hese greenhouse gases traps and absorbs atmospheric heat and ultimately causes
Global warming (an increase earth’s surface temperature).
Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the
atmosphere—which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. As we
burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas for energy or cut down and burn forests
to create pastures and plantations, carbon accumulates and overloads our
atmosphere. Certain waste management and agricultural practices aggravate the
problem by releasing other potent global warming gases, such as methane and
nitrous oxide. See the pie chart for a breakdown of heat-trapping global warming
emissions by economic sector.
6.
7. Effects of global warming
If Global warming continues the world would be in danger. The major effects and impacts of Global Warming are:
1. Climate Change: Global warming is causing climate change. The world’s is becoming warmer and warmer. There
is also prediction of regional climate changes along the ecosystem.
2. Sea Level Change: One major consequence of global warming arising out of greenhouse effect is the rise in sea
level. Four major changes take place prior to this. They are: Thermal expansion, mountain glacier melting,
Greenland ice sheet melting and Polar (Arctic and Antarctic) ice sheet melting. Thus, the coastal cities and ports
may be submerged under sea-water. Many islands may vanish from the earth surface as well as from the world
map.
3. Water Balance: Although changes in sea-level have received much publicity, problems of water availability are
likely to be more serious and perhaps more expensive to solve. In future, warmer world will face water crisis in
some parts while in other regions it will be wetter than it is now.
There is uncertainty regarding regional forecasts of future precipitation as warming of globe makes it difficult to
predict. Also, pattern of agricultural changes, or effects on ecosystems in general are fairly unpredictable.
4. Human Health: The human health is put at risk because of Global warming. In recent years, there have been
newer reports of spread of major tropical diseases with changing climate. As the earth becomes warmer, more
and more people are likely to be affected by tropical diseases.
8. How to prevent global warming
The problem of Global Warming can be controlled by minimizing the emission of greenhouse gases
into the environment. The following preventive steps would help save the earth from the harmful
effects of Global Warming.
Laws. The Laws that governs pollution and greenhouse gases should be followed.
Reduction in thermal power generating stations. Reduced dependence on thermal power for our
electricity need would help towards reducing the quantity if carbon dioxide in the environment. The
use of fossil fuels for generating conventional energy is a major of greenhouse gases.
We should not waste paper. We can save paper by keeping documents in electronic format and by
not printing emails.
Planting Trees. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. Trees are helpful in reducing the
problem of global warming.
Sharing our car. We can share our car while going to office or performing other scheduled activities.
On one hand, we will save money, and on the other, we will emit less greenhouse gases.
9. Scientific discussion on global
warming ……
– There is continuing discussion through published peer-reviewed scientific papers, which are
assessed by scientists working in the relevant fields taking part in the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. The scientific consensus as of 2013 stated in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report is
that it "is extremely likely that human influence has been the dominant cause of the observed
warming since the mid-20th century". A 2008 report by the U.S. National Academy of
Sciences stated that most scientists by then agreed that observed warming in recent decades was
primarily caused by human activities increasing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
In 2005 the Royal Society stated that while the overwhelming majority of scientists were in
agreement on the main points, some individuals and organizations opposed to the consensus on
urgent action needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have tried to undermine the science and
work of the IPCC. National science academies have called on world leaders for policies to cut global
emissions.
– In the scientific literature, there is a strong consensus that global surface temperatures have
increased in recent decades and that the trend is caused mainly by human-induced emissions of
greenhouse gases. No scientific body of national or international standing disagrees with this view.
10. Facts about global warming….
– Fact 1: Emissions like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and other greenhouses gases will remain in the atmosphere for
many years making impossible to eliminate global warming for several decades.
– Fact 2: According to IPCC 2007 report, sea levels will rise by 7-23 inches by the end of this century due to global
warming.
– Fact 3: Since 1880, the average temperature has risen by 1.4-Fahrenheit degrees.
– Fact 4: Due to global warming and pollution, coral reefs are suffering the worst bleaching with the highest dying
record since 1980.
– Fact 5: The last two decades of the 20th century have been hottest in the last 400 years, according to climate studies.
– Fact 6: The Arctic is one of the worst places to be effected by global warming.
– Fact 7: According to the multinational Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report compiled between 2000 and 2004,
the average temperature in Alaska, Western Canada and Russia have risen at twice the global average.
– Fact 8: The Arctic ice is melting rapidly. By 2040 the region is expected to have a completely ice free summer, or even
earlier.
– Fact 9: The Montana Glacier National Park has only 25 glaciers instead of 150 that were there in the year 1910.