"The Heat Is On: Understanding Global Warming"
- 1. Introduction to Global Warming Global warming refers to the long-term heating of the Earth’s climate system, primarily due to human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It leads to an increase in Earth's average surface temperature. By Simran
- 2. Causes of Global Warming 1 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. 2 Industrial and Agricultural Practices Manufacturing processes, intensive agriculture, and livestock farming contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases and environmental degradation. 3 Waste Mismanagement Improper disposal of solid waste and landfill management leads to the release of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere.
- 3. Impact on the Environment Extreme Weather Events Global warming intensifies weather patterns, leading to more frequent and severe hurricanes, heatwaves, and droughts. Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers Rising temperatures result in the accelerated melting of polar ice, leading to rising sea levels and loss of habitat for polar animals. Disruption of Ecosystems Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns disturb the natural balance of ecosystems, threatening plant and animal species.
- 4. Impact on Wildlife Polar Bears Loss of sea ice habitat due to melting ice caps threatens the survival of polar bears. Coral Reefs Rising sea temperatures pose a significant threat to the health and survival of coral reef ecosystems. Penguins Changing ocean conditions and scarcity of food affect the breeding success and survival of penguin populations.
- 5. Impact on Human Health Air Quality Higher temperatures and air pollution lead to increased respiratory problems and cardiovascular diseases. Vector-Borne Diseases Warmer climates expand the habitat of disease-carrying insects, leading to higher risks of dengue fever, malaria, and Lyme disease. Water Scarcity Changes in rainfall patterns and water availability affect water quality, sanitation, and the spread of water-borne diseases.
- 6. Mitigation Strategies 1 Renewable Energy Transition Shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power to reduce carbon emissions. 2 Afforestation Planting trees and restoring forests to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate the effects of global warming. 3 Carbon Pricing Implement policies to put a price on carbon emissions, encouraging industries to reduce their carbon footprint.
- 7. International Efforts to Combat Global Warming Paris Agreement An international treaty aimed at limiting global warming and mitigating its effects. UN Framework Convention A global environmental treaty that sets the overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle climate change. Montreal Protocol An international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out substances that deplete it.