Global Warming has become a subject of worldwide concern in recent years, with scientists and activists alike discussing the possible causes and solutions to the phenomenon. The debate has grown more fueled as changes to the planet’s temperature continue to show adverse results. To understand why global warming is taking place, we must evaluate a range of variables, from the physical to the human aspects.
At the most basic level, global warming is the result of an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature. This is often referred to as the “greenhouse effect” because of the way in which gases in the atmosphere act like a layer of glass or plastic, trapping heat from the sun that would otherwise escape back into space. Such gases are called “greenhouse gases” and the most well-known of these is carbon dioxide. Other occurrences such as the melting of ice and snow, the decrease in precipitation levels, and the ocean’s acidification are all the result of an increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature.
From a scientific perspective, humans significantly contribute to global warming through the production and burning of fossil fuels. When these fuels are burned, they produce greenhouse gases, which are then released into the atmosphere and form a thicker barrier between the atmosphere and the planet’s surface. As the levels of greenhouse gases increase, the planet’s temperature continues to rise.
The effects of global warming were initially reported in the 1970s and 1980s, when scientists noted the ice caps in the polar regions were melting faster than usual. According to a 2019 report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this was attributed to the increasing levels of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases that had been released into the atmosphere. The report also indicated that changes in the Earth’s climate such as an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have all been linked to global warming.
On an international scale, the burning of fossil fuels for energy has been significantly reduced in recent years. This reduction has been due to a variety of factors, including enhanced investments in renewable energy and a global shift towards more energy-efficient products. However, the damages done to the environment can take decades to reverse.
Global warming may be understood in terms of the impact it has on the environment, however, the underlying cause of this environmental catastrophe is the collective human behavior. Therefore, what is needed to prevent further damage is global action, with all nations coming together to combat this crisis. Developing countries with limited access to renewable energy sources need to be provided with funding and knowledge to make the switch, while citizens in all countries need to commit to doing their part to reduce emissions.
It is essential to recognize that global warming affects us all and that addressing this issue is the responsibility of all nations. In the face of increasing temperatures and devastating weather events, it is in all of our best interests to come together and take action to mitigate the forces that are causing global warming.
