Introduction to Global

Warming
Global warming is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. It refers
to the long-term rise in the Earth's average surface temperature due to increased levels of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane,
trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space, leading to a gradual
increase in global temperatures.

The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and include rising sea levels,
melting glaciers and ice caps, more frequent and severe weather events, and changes in
precipitation patterns. These changes can have devastating impacts on ecosystems,
agriculture, and human health and well-being. Understanding the causes and effects of
global warming is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.

by Gurvikas Singh
Causes of global warming
The primary causes of global warming are the emission of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the Earth's atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun,
causing the overall temperature of the planet to rise over time. The main sources of greenhouse gas emissions
include the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes, as well as
deforestation and agricultural practices like livestock farming and rice cultivation. As human activities have
increased, the concentration of these greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has risen dramatically, leading to the
observed global warming trend over the past century.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of global warming. These gases, such as carbon
dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere,
causing the planet to warm over time. The primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions include
the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes, as well
as agricultural activities and deforestation.

CO2 is the most significant greenhouse gas, accounting for the majority of emissions worldwide.
Emissions from the energy sector, including electricity generation, transportation, and industrial
processes, make up the largest share of global CO2 emissions. Other important greenhouse gases
include methane, which is primarily produced by agriculture and waste management, and nitrous
oxide, which is released through industrial processes and the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Strategies to address this issue include transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving
energy efficiency, implementing sustainable agricultural practices, and protecting and restoring
natural carbon sinks, such as forests and wetlands.
Rising Global Temperatures
One of the most concerning aspects of global warming is the steady rise in global temperatures. Over the past
century, the Earth's average surface temperature has increased by about

1.1°C

(2°F). This may not sound like much, but even seemingly small changes in the planet's overall temperature can
have significant and far-reaching consequences.

The increase in global temperatures is primarily driven by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere,
particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) from the burning of fossil fuels. As these gases trap heat from the sun, they cause
the overall temperature of the planet to rise. This warming trend has been observed across the globe, with some
regions experiencing more extreme temperature changes than others.

The rise in global temperatures has set off a cascade of other climate changes, including melting glaciers and ice
sheets, rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and
biodiversity. These impacts pose significant threats to human communities, economies, and the natural world,
underscoring the urgent need to address the root causes of global warming.
Melting Glaciers and Sea Ice

Retreat of Glaciers Vanishing Arctic Sea Ice Melting of Ice Sheets

As global temperatures rise, The Arctic region is particularly Another alarming consequence of
glaciers around the world are vulnerable to the effects of global climate change is the accelerating
retreating at unprecedented rates. warming. Over the past few melting of the massive Greenland
This dramatic melting of ice decades, the extent of Arctic sea and Antarctic ice sheets. These
sheets and mountain glaciers is a ice has declined rapidly, immense reservoirs of frozen
clear indicator of climate change. especially during the summer water are losing mass at an
As glaciers lose volume and months. This melting of the accelerating rate, contributing to
surface area, they can no longer frozen ocean surface has rising sea levels around the
reflect as much of the sun's profound implications, as it world. The collapse of these ice
radiation, leading to further reduces the Earth's reflective sheets could eventually lead to
warming and more melting – a ability, further amplifying global catastrophic sea level rise,
self-reinforcing cycle. The loss of temperature rise. The loss of sea threatening coastal communities
these massive ice formations has ice also disrupts delicate Arctic and ecosystems globally.
far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and threatens the Monitoring and understanding the
ecosystems, water supplies, and livelihoods of indigenous dynamics of these ice sheets is
sea levels. communities that depend on the crucial for predicting and
ice for hunting, fishing, and adapting to the challenges posed
transportation. by a rapidly changing climate.
Sea Level Rise
As the Earth's climate continues to warm, one of the most profound and concerning consequences is the steady rise
of global sea levels. This is primarily driven by the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal
expansion of the oceans as they absorb more heat.

Data from tide gauges and satellite measurements show that the global average sea level has risen by about 8-9
inches (20-23 cm) since 1900. This rate of rise has accelerated in recent decades, currently increasing at around 3.2
mm per year. If this trend continues, scientists project that by the end of this century, sea levels could rise between
1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters) above present levels.

Rising seas pose a major threat to coastal communities around the world, increasing the risk of devastating floods,
erosion, and saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources. Low-lying islands, deltas, and densely populated coastal
cities are especially vulnerable. Addressing this challenge will require a concerted global effort to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changes that are already underway.

Global Average Sea Level Rise ~8-9 inches (20-23 cm) since 1900

Current Rate of Rise ~3.2 mm per year

Projected Sea Level Rise by 2100 1-4 feet (0.3-1.2 meters)

Extreme Weather Events

1 Increased Frequency and Intensity 2 Disruption to Critical Systems

Extreme weather can disrupt essential services
As global temperatures rise, extreme weather like power, transportation, and water supply,
events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts, leaving populations vulnerable and
and heat waves are becoming more frequent exacerbating other impacts. Damaged
and intense. These events can have devastating infrastructure and supply chains can take time
impacts on communities, infrastructure, and significant resources to repair, further
agriculture, and ecosystems. compounding the effects.

3 Disproportionate Impacts 4 Cascading Consequences

The impacts of extreme weather often fall Extreme weather events can trigger a cascade
disproportionately on the most vulnerable of other impacts, such as food and water
populations, including low-income shortages, disease outbreaks, and forced
communities, the elderly, and those with pre- migration. These interconnected effects can
existing health conditions. These groups are have far-reaching consequences, both locally
less equipped to withstand and recover from and globally.
the shocks of these events.
Impacts on Ecosystems and
Biodiversity
Global warming poses a grave threat to the delicate balance of ecosystems and biodiversity around the
world. As temperatures rise and climate patterns shift, many species are being pushed to the brink of
extinction. Coral reefs, often called the "rainforests of the sea," are among the hardest hit, with
widespread bleaching and die-off events that devastate entire marine habitats.

On land, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are disrupting the life cycles of plants
and animals. Migratory patterns are being altered, breeding seasons are shifting, and crucial food sources
are disappearing. This forces many species to compete for dwindling resources or migrate to new areas,
increasing the risk of conflicts and further endangering vulnerable populations.

Beyond the direct impacts on individual species, global warming is also causing broader ecosystem
changes that threaten the intricate web of life. Forests are dying off, wetlands are drying up, and entire
biomes are at risk of collapsing. The loss of biodiversity not only diminishes the natural beauty of our
world, but also undermines the essential services that healthy ecosystems provide, such as carbon
sequestration, flood control, and crop pollination.
Mitigation Strategies
Reducing Emissions Carbon Capture and Storage

Transitioning to renewable energy sources such as Innovations in carbon capture and storage technology
solar, wind, and hydroelectric power is a key strategy offer promising solutions for removing excess CO2
for mitigating global warming. Improving energy from the atmosphere. These systems use various
efficiency in homes, businesses, and transportation methods to trap, transport, and store carbon
can also significantly reduce greenhouse gas underground or in other long-term storage solutions.
emissions. Adopting electric vehicles, using public While still developing, carbon capture can play a
transit, and shifting to sustainable agriculture crucial role in offsetting emissions from hard-to-
practices are all effective ways to cut down on our decarbonize industries.
carbon footprint.
Conclusion and Call to Action
In conclusion, the urgent threat of global warming requires immediate and decisive action from individuals,
governments, and businesses around the world. We must dramatically reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to curb
the devastating impacts of climate change. This will require a multi-pronged approach, including transitioning to
renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and implementing sustainable practices in all sectors of the
economy. Time is of the essence, and we must act now to protect our planet and ensure a livable future for
generations to come.

Each of us has a critical role to play in mitigating climate change. We can start by making changes in our own
lives, such as reducing our carbon footprint, supporting renewable energy, and advocating for strong climate
policies. Additionally, we must hold our leaders accountable and demand bold and decisive action to address this
global crisis. The United Nations provides a range of resources and opportunities for individuals and organizations
to get involved in the fight against climate change.

The future of our planet and the wellbeing of all living beings depends on our collective commitment to tackle the
challenge of global warming. We must act with a profound sense of urgency and responsibility to ensure a
sustainable and equitable future for all. Let us come together, take action, and leave a better world for generations
to come.