The impact of global warming on our planet has been the source of heated debates for decades. Seemingly, our attempt to come up with an answer to the question – ‘what is the main cause for global warming’ – has yet to encounter a quick response, mainly due to the complex character of the issue and a lack of sufficient scientific data.
The major driver of climate change is the emissions of gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the Earth’s atmosphere. In essence, air pollution caused mainly by everyday human activities – such as burning fossil fuels, livestock farming and deforestation – alter the global temperature and the balance of greenhouse gasses naturally found in the air. As a result, a rise in the average global surface temperature is observed, resulting in a climate change and the alteration of global weather patterns.
Even though the emissions of greenhouse gases are a significant cause of climate change, there are also other activities that contribute to global warming. For example, the changes in Earth albedo, caused by the diminishment of ice and snow cover, lead to increased absorption of solar radiation, resulting in higher temperatures. This is a phenomenon that is connected to phenomena like urbanization and soil erosion, as well as to human-controlled activities like mining and drilling.
The intricate nature of the global warming problem requires a multidisciplinary approach, in order to arrive at a viable solution. Consequently, scientists from various disciplines are working to comprehend the impact of human activities on climate and aiming to develop models and methods of control, which have the potential to reverse the effects of global warming. For example, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind and geothermal, has been proven to reduce emissions and benefit the environment in the long-term.
We are also witnessing a shift towards a greener economy, whereby the attention of policy makers has been drawn to the transformation of production and consumption, smart technologies (such as IoT) and more efficient waste management. In this direction, sustainable strategies have been actively applied in countries around the world, in an effort to promote environmental-friendly practices and reduce the emissions of greenhouse gasses.
Last but not least, research and development are incessantly taking place in order to come up with innovative solutions for global warming. In this regard, the implementation of climate-focused technology, such as biofuels, electric vehicles and carbon sequestration, is expected to greaten our chances for a healthier future.
In conclusion, recognizing the subtlety of global warming, we must adopt preventive measures that shall ensure the mitigation of its catastrophic effects. While the main cause of climate change has been established as the emission of greenhouse gases, further research is needed to analyze the contribution of other factors and identify the most effective methods of control. In this sense, a holistic approach that covers politics, economy and technological advancement is a necessary step to take in order to come up with innovative solutions and save our planet.
