2024 is the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than before industrial times for many months in a row. This serious situation highlights the need to urgently tackle global warming, which is caused by human activities that are quickly changing the Earth’s climate system.
As Sir David Attenborough said, “A change in climate affects everything.” The carefully balanced climate system of Earth, which has been stable for thousands of years, is now in danger because of the increasing amounts of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane, being released into the atmosphere. This warming trend has wide-ranging effects on ecosystems, economies, and societies all around the world.
Statistics on Global Warming
- 2024 is on track to be the hottest year ever recorded.
- The summer of 2024 was 2.25°F (1.25°C) warmer than average, with August 2024 being 2.34°F (1.3°C) the hottest August on record.
- Since the Industrial Revolution, the global average temperature has increased by over 1 degree Celsius.
- The rate of warming has doubled since 1981, with an average increase of 0.18 degrees Celsius per decade.
- Nine of the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2005.
- The US is the second-largest emitter of CO2, contributing 13% of global emissions.
- The US has the highest cumulative emissions over the past 150 years.
- Scientists urge limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040 to avoid catastrophic impacts.
Public Perception and Scientific Consensus
- Growing Public Acceptance: 73% of Americans now believe in global warming, a significant increase in recent years.
- Overwhelming Scientific Consensus: Over 97% of climate scientists agree that human activity is the primary cause of climate change.
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What is Global Warming?
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 concentrations in the atmosphere.
Causes of Global Warming
The primary cause of global warming is the enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Here are the main contributors:
- Burning Fossil Fuels:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released from burning coal, oil, and natural gas for electricity, transportation, and industry.
- Methane (CH4): Emitted from the decomposition of organic matter in landfills, agriculture, and the fossil fuel industry.
- Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere. Deforestation reduces this carbon sink, increasing CO2 levels.
- Agriculture:
- Methane: Released from livestock digestion and manure.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural fertilizers.
- Industrial Processes release various greenhouse gases, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.
- Transportation is a major source of CO2 emissions.
- Electricity production is another significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
These human activities disrupt the Earth’s natural climate balance, leading to a warming planet and its associated consequences.
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Pros of Global Warming
While global warming primarily has negative effects, there are a few potential short-term, localized positive effects:
- In some regions, a warmer climate could lead to longer growing seasons for certain crops.
- Increased CO2 levels can act as a fertilizer for some plants, potentially boosting agricultural yields in certain areas.
- Warmer winters could lead to fewer deaths related to cold weather.
- Melting ice could open up new shipping routes in the Arctic, reducing travel time and costs.
- Milder winters could decrease energy consumption for heating.
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Cons of Global Warming
- Rising Sea Levels: Coastal flooding, erosion, and displacement.
- More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires, and storms.
- Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leads to acidification, harming marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs.
- Loss of biodiversity, species extinction.
- Releases more greenhouse gases, accelerating warming.
- Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can disrupt agriculture, leading to food shortages and price increases.
- Reduced rainfall and increased evaporation can exacerbate water scarcity, affecting both human populations and ecosystems.
- Heatwaves, air pollution, and the spread of diseases can pose significant health risks.
- Rising temperatures can lead to heatstroke, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
- Infrastructure damage, decreased agricultural productivity, and increased healthcare costs can have severe economic consequences.
- Climate-induced displacement and resource scarcity can lead to social unrest and conflict.
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Solutions to Global Warming
| Category | Solution |
| Individual Actions | Reduce, Reuse, Recycle |
| Energy Efficiency | |
| Sustainable Transportation | |
| Plant Trees | |
| Reduce Meat Consumption | |
| Educate Others | |
| Government Policies | Renewable Energy |
| Carbon Pricing | |
| Sustainable Agriculture | |
| International Cooperation | |
| Climate Adaptation | |
| Technological Innovations | Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) |
| Clean Energy Technologies | |
| Electric Vehicles | |
| Sustainable Materials |
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Policies and Acts for Global Warming
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
- Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines eight national missions focused on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- These missions cover areas such as solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable habitat, water conservation, and afforestation.
- The Energy Conservation Act, 2001
- Promotes energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors, including industries, buildings, and transportation.
- Encourages the use of energy-efficient technologies and practices.
- The Environment Protection Act, 1986
- Provides a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection, including climate change mitigation.
- Empowers the government to regulate and control pollution, and promote sustainable development.
- The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010:
- Established the National Green Tribunal to handle environmental disputes and provide speedy justice.
- This tribunal has played a crucial role in addressing environmental issues, including climate change-related matters.
India’s Climate Commitments
- India is a signatory to the Paris Agreement and has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
- India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity by 2030.
- The government has launched several initiatives to promote renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
- India is actively working towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which include targets related to climate action, clean energy, and sustainable cities.
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FAQs: Global Warming
What are the 5 causes of global warming?
- Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas)
- Deforestation
- Industrial activities release greenhouse gases and pollutants
- Agricultural practices contribute to methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
- Transportation, especially vehicles powered by fossil fuels, releases greenhouse gases.
What is meant by global warming?
Global warming refers to 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.
What are 5 ways to stop global warming?
- Reduce fossil fuel use
- Increase energy efficiency
- Plant trees
- Reduce, reuse, recycle
- Support climate-friendly policies and hold governments accountable.
Five effects of global warming?
- Rising global temperatures
- Melting glaciers and ice caps
- Ocean acidification
- Disruption of ecosystems
- More frequent and intense extreme weather events (hurricanes, droughts, floods)
What is the greenhouse effect?
The greenhouse effect is the process by which heat from the sun is trapped in Earth’s atmosphere, warming the planet. This natural process is crucial for life on Earth, but human activities, like burning fossil fuels, are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases, leading to global warming.
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How to remove global warming?
- Transition to Renewable Energy
- Energy Efficiency
- Reforestation
- Sustainable Agriculture
- International Cooperation
Why is global warming bad?
Global warming is bad because it raises temperatures, Ocean acidification, Sea-level rise, more frequent and intense storms, floods, and droughts. Impacting plant and animal life, leading to habitat loss and species extinction. Damage to infrastructure, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased healthcare costs.
What are the two largest greenhouse gases?
Where is carbon found on Earth?
Carbon is found in various forms and locations on Earth:
- Atmosphere
- Oceans
- Biosphere
- Geosphere
- Cryosphere
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