Causes of global warming 2022
Global Warming has been a topic that everyone has made a school project on at some point in their life, we have to find causes of global warming sadly many people fail to realize that it is very real and a very worrisome concern, that has been threatening the planet and our survival for years. With this blog, you will know more about the issues that climate change threatens us with and gain more awareness about what steps you could take at a personal level to help humanity combat this disaster.
What is Global Warming?
Since the advent of the Industrial revolution, the annual global temperature has increased in total by more than a full degree celsius. Between 1880 (the year that accurate recordkeeping started) and 1980, it has risen by an average of 0.07 degrees celsius every 10 years. However, since 1981, the rate of temperature increases has exceeded double. That is, for the last 40+ years, the global annual temperature has increased by .18 degrees Celsius every decade.
As a result, the planet has reached its peak in warmth. Some of the warmest years in recorded history have occurred since 2005- and 5 warmest years on record have all occurred since 2015. Climate change deniers have claimed that there has been a pause or, a slowdown in rising temperatures, however many studies have disproved such uneducated claims. The effects of global warming are already harming people globally.
Recently, climate scientists have concluded that we must limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040, if we are to avoid any future devastations and days that will only revolve around climate worst effects, like extreme droughts, wildfires, floods, tropical storms, and other disasters that we collectively refer to as climate change. These changes are pervasive and felt by everyone, but the underprivileged get the worst of it all. For the economically weak, people of color, and other weaker sections, global warming is the primary cause of poverty, displacement, hunger, and social unrest.
Causes of Global Warming
Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide and other air pollutants get collected in the atmosphere and sit there and absorb sunlight and solar radiation that was supposed to Bounce off the earth’s surface. Normally the ozone layer reflects this radiation into space, but these pollutants have been holding and absorbing the heat and solar radiation for decades. These gases are called greenhouse gases and their impact is called the greenhouse effect. Some major greenhouse gases are- carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated gases.
Natural cycles have resulted in fluctuations in the earth’s climate many times over the last thousands of years, but our current era of global warming is directly a result of human activity, specifically our burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas, which causes the greenhouse effect to. Worldwide, the largest source of greenhouse gases is transportation, followed closely by electricity production and industrial activity.
Effects of Global Warming
Each year scientists learn more about the consequences of global warming, and each year we gain new evidence of its impacts on the people and the planet. As the heat waves, droughts, flash floods, and anything associated with climate change became more frequent and intense, people suffer and die. If we are unable to reduce these emissions shortly, scientists believe that climate change resulting issues could lead to the deaths of more than 250,000 people around the globe yearly and force millions of people into poverty by 2030.
Following is what climate change can lead to if we do not control it shortly-
Disappearing glaciers, early snowmelt, and severe droughts will result in more dramatic water shortages and continue to increase the risk of wildfires.
Forests, farms, and cities will face troublesome new pests, heat waves, heavy downpours, and increased flooding. All of these can damage or destroy agriculture and fisheries.
Disruption of habitats such as coral reefs and alpine meadows could drive many plant and animal species to extinction.
Allergies, asthma, and infectious disease outbreaks will become more common due to increased growth of pollen-producing ragweed, higher levels of air pollution, and the spread of conditions favorable to pathogens and mosquitoes.
How can we tackle Climate change?
Combating climate changes require very deep cuts in emissions along with the use of alternatives to fossil fuels worldwide. Countries that have committed to the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement have agreed to lower their emissions by setting new standards and crafting new policies to meet those standards. However, we are not working nearly as fast as we should. To avoid the worst effects of climate change, scientists have found
that we need to reduce global carbon emissions by as much as 40% by 2030. To archives that crazy goal, the global community must take immediate and concrete steps to decarbonize energy production, that is move from non-renewable fossil fuels to greener and renewable sources of energy like wind and solar sources of energy, and use those sources to power our vehicles, homes, and appliances. At a personal level, one can fight against climate change by mainly focusing on reducing their carbon footprint and by taking easy steps: Make conserving energy a part of your day-to-day routine, it is a great habit and can contribute immensely to the fight against climate change. When shopping for appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, washing machines, etc look for a government-approved rating that signifies that the product is meeting higher energy standards. Other general habits like carpooling, using public transport, etc can also help a lot.
Climate change doesn’t have to be tackled alone, make it a part of your’s and your communities lifestyle. Small steps can lead to a huge change, and produce a future more habitable and equitable for all.
