What is global warming? How is it different from greenhouse effect? What are the environmental outcomes of global warming

Global Warming:
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases.

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These gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures. The main contributors to global warming are the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, and various industrial processes.

Greenhouse Effect:
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed and re-radiated by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone, trap some of the outgoing energy, preventing it from escaping into space. This trapped heat keeps the Earth’s surface warm enough to support life. However, human activities have enhanced the greenhouse effect by increasing the concentration of these gases, leading to global warming.

Environmental Outcomes of Global Warming:

1. Rising Temperatures:

• Average global temperatures are increasing, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

1. Melting Ice and Glaciers:

• The warming climate contributes to the melting of polar ice caps, glaciers, and ice sheets, leading to rising sea levels.

1. Sea Level Rise:

• Melting ice and the thermal expansion of seawater contribute to rising sea levels, posing threats to coastal communities.

1. Changes in Precipitation Patterns:

• Global warming is altering precipitation patterns, leading to more intense and erratic rainfall, as well as changes in drought frequency.

1. Ocean Acidification:

• Increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere not only contribute to global warming but also lead to higher carbon dioxide absorption by oceans, causing ocean acidification. This poses a threat to marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and shell-forming organisms.

1. Extreme Weather Events:

• Global warming is associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, floods, and wildfires.

1. Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity:

• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns affect ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to shifts in the distribution and behavior of species. Some may struggle to adapt or face increased risk of extinction.

1. Disruption of Agricultural Patterns:

• Changes in temperature and precipitation can impact agricultural productivity, leading to shifts in growing seasons, changes in crop yields, and increased challenges for food security.

1. Spread of Diseases:

• Changing climatic conditions can influence the distribution of disease vectors, potentially expanding the range of diseases like malaria and affecting human health.

1. Social and Economic Consequences:
   • Global warming has social and economic implications, including impacts on water resources, infrastructure, energy demand, and human health. Vulnerable populations may be disproportionately affected.

Mitigating global warming involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and implementing strategies for climate adaptation. International efforts, such as the Paris Agreement, aim to address global warming and its consequences on a global scale.