Global warming is one of the most pressing problems of the twenty-first century, and its effects on the atmosphere are of intense interest. In short, increasing global temperatures are resulting in an increasingly chaotic climate, with more intense storms, droughts, floods, and heatwaves as major temperature fluctuations and increased precipitation become the norm.
The earth’s average temperature has risen by almost one degree Celsius since the industrial revolution, with the majority of the warming happening since the 1970s. This warming, together with the progressive decline in Arctic sea ice, rising sea levels, the decline in mountain glaciers, and the rise in ocean acidity, is accelerating, with the World Meteorological Organisation predicting an even further rise in global temperatures by up to 1.5˚C in the next few decades.
The consequences of global warming on the atmosphere are far-reaching and diverse. On one hand, concerns about human health, human conflict, and instability in communities and economies are on the rise due to increased temperatures, decreased air quality, and direct physical effects on humans and their habitats. On the other, a warmer atmosphere can cause more water to evaporate from the ocean, with higher levels of water vapor in the atmosphere and potentially more rainfall in certain regions. This in turn can cause an increase in soil fertility and can lead to larger crop yields. Higher temperatures in certain areas can also mean increased habitat suitability and faster plant growth. However, this expected agricultural boost due to global warming has not been realized, as evidenced by the 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report.
One of the major implications of global warming lies in its indirect effects on atmospheric circulation and air quality. Since air is heat-absorbent, the hotter temperatures caused by global warming lead to an increase in air turbulence, which lowers air quality and reduces visibility. Additionally, global warming is likely to create more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, which can result in catastrophic damage to homes and businesses, as well as more health problems, such as asthma, heart disease, and other respiratory issues.
Total ozone levels in the atmosphere are also affected by global warming, as melting ice caps and glaciers release methane and other pollutants into the atmosphere, attacking the ozone layer. This has a greater impact on colder climates, particularly in the arctic. Without ozone, humans are vulnerable to increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation and its damaging effects on skin, eyes, and immune systems.
To make matters worse, global warming may cause irreversible damage to the atmosphere due to longer periods of drought and heat, as well as re-allocation of rainfall. Ultimately, this can leave a large population vulnerable to air pollution and dust clouds, reducing air quality even further.
Ultimately, global warming is a multifaceted issue that must be addressed by global leaders and citizens around the world. To tackle this issue, it is essential to reduce emissions and implement strategies that focus on both short- and long-term climate adaptation plans. This can be done through better management of natural resources and implementation of more sustainable practices, such as green energy sources, recycling technologies, and smarter water use. To put it simply, global warming is upon us and must be addressed in order for us to continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthy environment.
It is clear that global warming is having a severe impact on our atmosphere and its effects should not be ignored. To ensure we are living in a safe and healthy environment, it is important to learn more about global warming and take the necessary steps to reduce its effects on the atmosphere.
What Does Global Warming Do To The Atmosphere
