Global Warming and Its Impact

Global warming is the slow increase in the Average temperature of the earth’s Atmosphere because an increased amount of the energy (heat) striking the earth from the sun is being trapped in the atmosphere and not radiated out into space.

The earth’s atmosphere has always acted like a greenhouse to capture the sun’s heat, ensuring that the earth has enjoyed temperatures that permitted the emergence of life forms as we know them, including humans.

Without our atmospheric greenhouse the earth would be very cold. Global warming, however, is the equivalent of a greenhouse with high efficiency reflective glass installed the wrong way around.

Ironically, the best evidence of this may come from a terrible cooling event that took place some 1,500 years ago. Two massive volcanic eruptions, one year after another placed so much black dust into the upper atmosphere that little sunlight could penetrate. Temperatures plummeted. Crops failed. People died of starvation and the Black Death started its march. As the dust slowly fell to earth, the sun was again able to warn the world and life returned to normal.

Causes of global warming

The average surface temperature of Earth is maintained by a balance of various forms of solar and terrestrial radiation. Solar radiation is often called “shortwave” radiation because the frequencies of the radiation are relatively high and the wavelengths relatively short—close to the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. Terrestrial radiation, on the other hand, is often called “longwave” radiation because the frequencies are relatively low and the wavelengths relatively long—somewhere in the infrared part of the spectrum. Downward-moving Solar Energy is typically measured in watts per square metre. The energy of the total incoming solar radiation at the top of Earth’s atmosphere (the so-called “solar constant”) amounts roughly to 1,366 watts per square metre annually. Adjusting for the fact that only one-half of the planet’s surface receives solar radiation at any given time, the average surface insolation is 342 watts per square metre annually.

The amount of solar radiation absorbed by Earth’s surface is only a small fraction of the total solar radiation entering the atmosphere. For every 100 units of incoming solar radiation, roughly 30 units are reflected back to space by either clouds, the atmosphere, or reflective regions of Earth’s surface. This reflective capacity is referred to as Earth’s planetary albedo, and it need not remain fixed over time, since the spatial extent and distribution of reflective formations, such as clouds and ice cover, can change. The 70 units of solar radiation that are not reflected may be absorbed by the atmosphere, clouds, or the surface. In the absence of further complications, in order to maintain thermodynamic equilibrium, Earth’s surface and atmosphere must radiate these same 70 units back to space. Earth’s surface temperature (and that of the lower layer of the atmosphere essentially in contact with the surface) is tied to the magnitude of this emission of outgoing radiation according to the Stefan-Boltzmann law.

Earth’s energy budget is further complicated by the Greenhouse Effect. Trace gases with certain chemical properties—the so-called greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)—absorb some of the infrared radiation produced by Earth’s surface. Because of this absorption, some fraction of the original 70 units does not directly escape to space. Because greenhouse gases emit the same amount of radiation they absorb and because this radiation is emitted equally in all directions (that is, as much downward as upward), the net effect of absorption by greenhouse gases is to increase the total amount of radiation emitted downward toward Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere. To maintain equilibrium, Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere must emit more radiation than the original 70 units. Consequently, the surface temperature must be higher. This process is not quite the same as that which governs a true greenhouse, but the end effect is similar. The presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to a warming of the surface and lower part of the atmosphere (and a cooling higher up in the atmosphere) relative to what would be expected in the absence of greenhouse gases.

Greenhouse gases(GHGs)

The most commonly discussed GHGs are:

CO2 or carbon dioxide is produced any time something is burned. It is the most common GHG, constituting by some measures almost 55% of total long-term GHGs. It is used as a marker by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, for example, because of its ubiquity. Carbon dioxide is assigned a GWP or Global Warming Potential of 1.

Methane or CH4 is produced in many combustion processes and also by anaerobic decomposition, for example, in flooded rice paddies, pig and cow stomachs, and pig manure ponds. Methane breaks down in approximately 10 years, but is a precursor of ozone, itself an important GHG. CH4 has a GWP of 28-36.

Nitrous oxide in parean (laughing gas), NO/N2O or simply NOx is a byproduct of fertilizer production and use, other industrial processes and the combustion of certain materials. Nitrous oxide lasts a very long time in the atmosphere, but at the 100 year point of comparison to CO2, its GWP is 265-298.

Fluorinated gases were created as replacements for ozone depleting refrigerants, but have proved to be both extremely long lasting and extremely warming GHGs. They have no natural sources, but are entirely man-made. At the 100 year point of comparison, their GWPs range from 1,800 to 8,000 and some variants top 10,000.

Sulphur hexafluoride or SF6 is used for specialized medical procedures, but primarily in what are called dielectric materials, especially dielectric liquids. These are used as insulators in high voltage applications such as transformers and grid switching gear. SF6 will last thousands of years in the upper atmosphere and has a GWP of 22,800.

Impacts of global warming

Hotter days

2015 was the hottest year on record, the previous record was broken in 2014, and 2016 is expected to set a new record for the third year in a row. In the past few years records have being broken for longest heatwaves and the Bureau of Meteorology has added purple and magenta to the forecast map for temperatures up to 54°C.

Rising sea levels

Increased ocean temperatures are melting Glaciers and ice caps all over the world. Melted ice increases the volume of water in our Oceans. Warmer temperatures also result in the expansion of the water’s mass, which causes sea levels to rise, threatening low-lying islands and coastal cities.

More frequent and intense extreme weather events

Extreme weather events like bushfires, Cyclones-2/”>Cyclones, droughts and floods are becoming more frequent and more intense as a result of global warming.

Oceans are warming and acidifying

The oceans have absorbed most of extra heat and carbon dioxide (CO₂) so far – more than the air – making the seas both warmer and more acidic. Warming waters are bleaching coral reefs and driving stronger storms. Rising ocean acidity threatens shellfish, including the tiny crustaceans without which marine food chains would collapse.

Global warming is the long-term heating of Earth’s Climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere. The term is frequently used interchangeably with the term Climate Change, though the latter refers to both human- and naturally produced warming and the effects it has on our planet. It is most commonly measured as the average increase in Earth’s global surface temperature.

Since the pre-industrial period, human activities are estimated to have increased Earth’s global average temperature by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit), a number that is currently increasing by 0.2 degrees Celsius (0.36 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade. Most of the current warming trend is extremely likely (greater than 95 percent Probability) the result of human activity since the 1950s and is proceeding at an unprecedented rate over decades to millennia.

The largest human influence on climate change has been the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. The primary source of these emissions is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat and transportation. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and causing it to warm.

The impacts of climate change are already being felt around the world, and are expected to become more severe in the future. These impacts include rising sea levels, more extreme weather events, changes in plant and animal life, melting glaciers and ice sheets, and Ocean Acidification.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. These include:

Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching to RENEWABLE ENERGY sources such as solar and wind power.
Improving Energy Efficiency by using less energy in our homes, businesses and transportation systems.
Protecting forests, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Investing in research and development to find new ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Individuals can also take steps to reduce their impact on climate change, such as:

Conserving energy by turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use.
Driving less and walking, biking or taking public transportation more often.
Eating less meat, which produces more greenhouse gases than plant-based foods.
Recycling and composting to reduce waste.

Climate change is a serious threat to our planet, but it is not too late to take action. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change, we can protect our planet for future generations.

What you can do to help

There are many things you can do to help fight climate change. Here are a few ideas:

Reduce your carbon footprint. This means making changes to your lifestyle that will lower your impact on the Environment. For example, you can drive less, use less energy in your home, and eat less meat.
Support organizations that are working to fight climate change. There are many organizations working to raise awareness about climate change and to develop solutions. You can donate Money or time to these organizations.
Educate others about climate change. The more people who understand the issue, the more likely we are to find solutions. Talk to your friends and family about climate change and encourage them to take action.
Vote for candidates who support climate action. When you vote, make sure to choose candidates who are committed to fighting climate change.

Every little bit helps. By taking action, you can make a difference in the fight against climate change.

What is climate change?

Climate change is the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place. Climate change could refer to a particular location or the planet as a whole. Climate change may cause weather patterns to be less predictable. A region might experience lower or higher than average temperatures. Climate change may cause more frequent and severe weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts.

What causes climate change?

The main cause of climate change is human activity. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and gas, releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, which warms the planet. Other human activities that contribute to climate change include deforestation, agriculture and industrial processes.

What are the effects of climate change?

Climate change is already having a significant impact on the planet. The average global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century. This warming is causing a number of changes, including:

Rising sea levels: As the Earth’s temperature warms, the oceans expand and sea levels rise. This is causing flooding in coastal areas and erosion of beaches.
More extreme weather events: Climate change is making extreme weather events, such as storms, floods and droughts, more frequent and severe. These events can cause damage to property and Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE, and can lead to loss of life.
Changes in plant and animal life: Climate change is causing changes in the distribution of plant and animal life. Some species are moving to new areas in order to find suitable habitats. Others are facing extinction.

What can we do to stop climate change?

There are a number of things that we can do to stop climate change. These include:

Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels: We can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels by using renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. We can also improve energy efficiency by making our homes and businesses more energy-efficient.
Planting trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Planting trees can help to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Changing our lifestyles: We can also make changes to our lifestyles to reduce our impact on the environment. These include driving less, eating less meat and flying less.

What is the future of climate change?

If we do not take action to stop climate change, the effects will become more severe. The average global temperature could increase by as much as 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century. This would have a devastating impact on the planet, causing widespread flooding, droughts and extreme weather events. It would also lead to the extinction of many species of Plants and animals.

It is essential that we take action now to stop climate change. We need to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, plant trees and change our lifestyles. We also need to support policies that promote climate action. If we act now, we can still avoid the worst effects of climate change.

Sure, here are some MCQs about the topics of climate change, global warming, and its impact:

What is climate change?
(A) The long-term shifts in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.
(B) The increase in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth’s atmosphere.
(C) The change in the Earth’s climate over time, including changes in temperature, Precipitation, and sea level.
(D) The change in the Earth’s climate due to human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
What are the main Causes of Climate Change?
(A) Human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
(B) Natural processes, such as volcanic eruptions, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
(C) Both human activities and natural processes.
(D) None of the above.
What are the main effects of climate change?
(A) Rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and loss of Biodiversity-2/”>Biodiversity.
(B) Decreased sea levels, growing glaciers, less extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and gain of biodiversity.
(C) Both rising and decreasing sea levels, melting and growing glaciers, more and less extreme weather events, changes and no changes in agricultural yields, and loss and gain of biodiversity.
(D) None of the above.
What can we do to mitigate climate change?
(A) Reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewable energy sources.
(B) Plant trees and other vegetation, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
(C) Improve energy efficiency and reduce our energy consumption.
(D) All of the above.
What are the benefits of mitigating climate change?
(A) We can avoid the worst effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, melting glaciers, more extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, and loss of biodiversity.
(B) We can save money on energy costs.
(C) We can create jobs in the clean Energy sector.
(D) All of the above.
What are the challenges of mitigating climate change?
(A) It is a complex problem that requires international cooperation.
(B) It requires changes to our lifestyles and behavior.
(C) It is expensive.
(D) All of the above.
What is the role of individuals in mitigating climate change?
(A) Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by making changes to their lifestyles, such as driving less, using less energy in their homes, and eating less meat.
(B) Individuals can also support policies that promote climate action, such as a Carbon Tax or a cap-and-trade system.
(C) Individuals can also get involved in climate activism, such as protesting against climate change or supporting climate-friendly businesses.
(D) All of the above.
What is the role of governments in mitigating climate change?
(A) Governments can set ambitious climate targets and policies.
(B) Governments can invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
(C) Governments can provide financial assistance to help people reduce their carbon footprint.
(D) All of the above.
What is the role of businesses in mitigating climate change?
(A) Businesses can reduce their own carbon emissions.
(B) Businesses can invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
(C) Businesses can develop and market climate-friendly products and Services.
(D) All of the above.
What is the role of international organizations in mitigating climate change?
(A) International organizations can negotiate and implement international agreements on climate change.
(B) International organizations can provide financial assistance to help countries mitigate climate change.
(C) International organizations can raise awareness of climate change and promote climate action.
(D) All of the above.

I hope these MCQs were helpful!