lobal warming is perhaps the most critical issue of our times.

From time to time we

keep hearing and reading about the lurking catastrophic events waiting to happen
in the near future because of global warming. In this article, we throw some light
on the phenomenon of global warming and some important aspects related to it.

What is Global Warming?

Let’s start with what exactly the term ‘global warming’ means.

Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the average tperature of
Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans. Over the last 100 years, the earth’s temperature
has been slowly and steadily rising. The temperatures today are 0.74 Degree
Centigrade higher (1.33 Degree Fahrenheit) than 150 years ago and it is estimated
that in the next 100-200 years, the earth’s temperature might be up to 6-degree
Centigrade (11 Degree Fahrenheit) higher than they were before the effects of
global warming started showing.

Over the past 50 years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest
rate in recorded history. And experts see the trend is accelerating: All but one of
the 16 hottest years in NASA’s 134-year record have occurred since 2000.

Climate change deniers have argued that there has been a “pause” or a “slowdown”
in rising global temperatures, but several recent studies, have disproved this claim.
Scientists say that unless we curb global warming emissions, the average
temperatures all over the world could increase drastically over the next century.

What causes Global Warming?

So what is causing our planet to get warmer? Let’s take a look at some of the
causes of global warming.

 Deforestation: The forests on earth, especially the rainforests, are like the planet’s
lungs. They produce a lot of the oxygen needed by us humans to breathe, and they
capture much of the harmful carbon from the atmosphere. Cutting the trees down
increases the carbon release which in turn contributes to rising global temperatures.
 The Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, water
vapour, nitrous oxide, etc. reflect radiation that the earth emits and stops it from
getting lost in space. Without the greenhouse gases, the earth would be too cold to
support life. However, human activities are adding greenhouse gases to the
atmosphere leading to an increase in the earth’s temperature. The most important
gas added to the atmosphere by humans is carbon dioxide which is less than 0.4%
 of the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is released when humans burn fossil fuels such
as oil, coal, and natural gas. In addition to this, we also add methane to the
atmosphere by raising cattle and other farm animals.
 The process of recovering Fossil Fuels: Activities such as mining, releases the
stored up carbon inside the earth into the atmosphere, which also contributes to the
rising temperatures.
Effects of Global Warming
Global warming is causing irreparable damage to the Earth’s climate as well as its
physical environment. One of the most visible effects of global warming can be
seen in the Arctic as glaciers, permafrost, and sea ice is melting rapidly. Some of
the primary effects of global warming are listed below.

 Increased melting of IceCaps: The world over, snow and ice is melting at a much
faster pace than observed in the past. This has been particularly true at the Earth’s
poles but is also seen in the Alps, Himalayas, Andes, Rockies, Alaska, and Africa.
Antarctica has been losing about 134 billion metric tons of ice per year since 2002.
During the past 30 years, more than a million square miles of sea ice has vanished,
an area equivalent to the size of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden combined.
global warming muir and riggs glaciers

 Rise in Sea Levels: Global warming has affected the earth’s oceans in two ways:
warmer average temperatures cause ocean waters to expand (thermal expansion)
and the accelerated melting of ice and glaciers increase the amount of water in the
oceans. The rate of rising water levels is accelerating and is now at a pace which
has been never seen before.
 Desertification: Increasing temperatures are turning arid and semi-arid areas even
more dry than before. The water cycle is also changing and rainfall patterns are
shifting to make areas that are already dry even drier. This is resulting in water
shortages and causing great distress to the over 2.5 million people in dry regions
which are degrading into a desert.
 Hurricane & Cyclones: Global warming also increases the frequency of strong
cyclones. Every-1 degree Centigrade increase in sea surface temperature results in
a 31% increase in the global frequency of category 4 and 5 stor In 2005, Hurricane
Katrina—the costliest hurricane in U.S. history—struck New Orleans; the second-
costliest, Hurricane Sandy, hit the East Coast in 2012.
 The Spread of Diseases: 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 favourable to pathogens
and mosquitoes.
‘Weather’ vs. ‘Climate’
Weather is defined as the atmospheric conditions over a short period of time, and
climate is how the atmosphere behaves over relatively long periods of time. Global
warming, climate change, and weather are intertwined. Observations reveal that
there have been changes in weather, and it is the statistics of changes in weather
over time that results in climate change. While weather and climate are closely
related, there are important differences. A common confusion between weather and
climate arises when scientists are asked how they can predict climate 100 years
from now when they can’t predict the weather 10 days from now. The chaotic
nature of weather makes it unpredictable beyond a few days. Projecting changes in
climate (i.e. long-term average weather) due to changes in atmospheric
composition or other factors is a very different and much more manageable
problem.

Projections of future climate are arrived at by fundamental changes in heat energy

in the Earth’s system, mainly in the increasing intensity of the greenhouse effect
that traps heat near Earth’s surface, determined by the amount of carbon dioxide
and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Projecting changes in climate due to
changes in greenhouse gases 50 years from now is much easier than forecasting
weather patterns just weeks from now. While many factors continue to influence
climate, scientists have determined that human activities are a primary force, and
are responsible for most of the warming observed over the past 50 years. Human-
caused climate change has resulted primarily from changes in the amounts of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, but also from changes in small particles
(aerosols), as well as from changes in land use, for example. As climate changes,
the probabilities of certain types of weather events are affected. For example, as
Earth’s average temperature has increased, some weather phenomena have become
more frequent and intense (e.g., heat waves and heavy downpours), while others
have become less frequent and intense (e.g., extreme cold events).

Climatic Variation Since The Last Glaciation

Global warming is related to the more general phenomenon of climate change,
which refers to changes in the totality of attributes that define climate. In addition
to changes in air temperature, climate change involves changes to precipitation
patterns, winds, ocean currents, and other measures of Earth’s climate. Normally,
climate change can be viewed as the combination of various natural forces
occurring over diverse timescales. Since the advent of human civilization, climate
change has involved an “anthropogenic,” or exclusively human-caused, element,
and this anthropogenic element has become more important in the industrial period
of the past two centuries. The term global warming is used specifically to refer to
any warming of near-surface air during the past two centuries that can be traced to
anthropogenic causes.
A series of photographs of the Grinnell Glacier taken from the summit of Mount
Gould in Glacier National Park, Montana, in 1938, 1981, 1998, and 2006 (from left
to right). In 1938 the Grinnell Glacier filled the entire area at the bottom of the
image. By 2006 it had largely disappeared from this view.1938-T.J.
Hileman/Glacier National Park Archives, 1981 – Carl Key/USGS, 1998 – Dan
Fagre/USGS, 2006 – Karen Holzer/USGS

To define the concepts of global warming and climate change properly, it is first
necessary to recognize that the climate of Earth has varied across many timescales,
ranging from an individual human life span to billions of years. This variable
climate history is typically classified in terms of “regimes” or “epochs.” For
instance, the Pleistocene glacial epoch (about 2,600,000 to 11,700 years ago) was
marked by substantial variations in the global extent of glaciers and ice sheets.
These variations took place on timescales of tens to hundreds of millennia and
were driven by changes in the distribution of solar radiation across Earth’s surface.
The distribution of solar radiation is known as the insolation pattern, and it is
strongly affected by the geometry of Earth’s orbitaround the Sun and by the
orientation, or tilt, of Earth’s axis relative to the direct rays of the Sun.

Worldwide, the most recent glacial period, or ice age, culminated about 21,000
years ago in what is often called the Last Glacial Maximum. During this time,
continental ice sheets extended well into the middle latitude regions of Europe and
North America, reaching as far south as present-day London and New York City.
Global annual mean temperature appears to have been about 4–5 °C (7–9 °F)
colder than in the mid-20th century. It is important to remember that these figures
are a global average. In fact, during the height of this last ice age, Earth’s climate
was characterized by greater cooling at higher latitudes (that is, toward the poles)
and relatively little cooling over large parts of the tropical oceans (near the
Equator). This glacial interval terminated abruptly about 11,700 years ago and was
followed by the subsequent relatively ice-free period known as the Holocene
Epoch. The modern period of Earth’s history is conventionally defined as residing
within the Holocene. However, some scientists have argued that the Holocene
Epoch terminated in the relatively recent past and that Earth currently resides in a
climatic interval that could justly be called the Anthropocene Epoch—that is, a
period during which humans have exerted a dominant influence over climate.

Though less dramatic than the climate changes that occurred during the Pleistocene
Epoch, significant variations in global climate have nonetheless taken place over
the course of the Holocene. During the early Holocene, roughly 9,000 years ago,
atmospheric circulation and precipitation patterns appear to have been substantially
different from those of today. For example, there is evidence for relatively wet
conditions in what is now the Sahara Desert. The change from one climatic regime
to another was caused by only modest changes in the pattern of insolation within
the Holocene interval as well as the interaction of these patterns with large-scale
climate phenomena such as monsoons and El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO).

During the middle Holocene, some 5,000–7,000 years ago, conditions appear to
have been relatively warm—indeed, perhaps warmer than today in some parts of
the world and during certain seasons. For this reason, this interval is sometimes
referred to as the Mid-Holocene Climatic Optimum. The relative warmth of
average near-surface air temperatures at this time, however, is somewhat unclear.
Changes in the pattern of insolation favoured warmer summers at higher latitudes
in the Northern Hemisphere, but these changes also produced cooler winters in the
Northern Hemisphere and relatively cool conditions year-round in the tropics. Any
overall hemispheric or global mean temperature changes thus reflected a balance
between competing seasonal and regional changes. In fact, recent theoretical
climate model studies suggest that global mean temperatures during the middle
Holocene were probably 0.2–0.3 °C (0.4–0.5 °F) colder than average late 20th-
century conditions.

Over subsequent millennia, conditions appear to have cooled relative to middle

Holocene levels. This period has sometimes been referred to as the “Neoglacial.”
In the middle latitudes this cooling trend was associated with intermittentperiods of
advancing and retreating mountain glaciers reminiscent of (though far more
modest than) the more substantial advance and retreat of the major continental ice
sheets of the Pleistocene climate epoch.

How to Address Global Warming?

Curbing dangerous climate change requires very deep cuts in emissions, as well as
the use of alternatives to fossil fuels worldwide. Scientists continue to develop new
ways to modernize power plants, generate cleaner electricity, and burn less
gasoline while we drive. The challenge is to be sure these solutions are put to use
and widely adopted.

As with anything else, where there is a will, there is away. If each of us takes a step
to maintain a clean and green environment, together we can definitely save our
earth for the future generations.

Ways to address global warming

 We must reduce waste and wherever possible, recycle paper, plastic, newspapers,
glass and aluminum cans. By recycling half of our household waste, we can save
2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.
 We must use less heat, air-conditioning, and make conserving energy a part of our
daily routine/decisions as a consumer.
 We need to drive less and travel smart. Less driving saves gasoline and results in
fewer emissions. Even if we’re driving, we need to ensure our car is running
efficiently and the tires are properly inflated for optimal mileage.
 When you buy a car, we must look for one with the highest gas mileage and lowest
emissions.
 When we shop for home appliances like refrigerators, washers, and dryers, we
have to look for products that meet a higher standard for energy efficiency. Even
using LED bulbs that are designed to provide more natural-looking light while
using far less energy than standard light bulbs is a step forward.
 We all can also reduce our emissions by taking public transportation or carpooling
when possible.
 We all need to plant more trees as they absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. A
single tree absorbs approximately one ton of carbon dioxide during its lifetime.
 We all need to spread the word. Educate others on the harm they are inflicting on
themselves and on the future generations.
Global Warming Is Urgent and Can Be Addressed
CO2 survives in the atmosphere for a long time—up to many centuries—so its
heat-trapping effects are compounded over time. Of the many heat-trapping gases,
CO2 puts us at the greatest risk of irreversible changes if it continues to
accumulate unabated in the atmosphere—as it is likely to do if the global economy
remains dependent on fossil fuels for its energy needs. To put this in perspective,
the carbon we put in the atmosphere today will literally determine not only our
climate future but that of future generations as well.

Substantial scientific evidence indicates that an increase in the global average

temperature of more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) (or 2 degrees Celsius [°C])
above pre-industrial levels poses severe risks to natural systems and to human
health and well-being. The good news is that, because we as humans caused global
warming, we can also do something about it. To avoid this level of warming, large
emitters such as the United States need to greatly reduce heat-trapping gas
emissions by mid century. Delay in taking such action means the prospect of much
steeper cuts later if there is any hope of staying below the 3.6°F (2°C) temperature
goal. Delayed action is also likely to make it more difficult and costly to not only
make these reductions, but also address the climate consequences that occur in the
meantime.
The Consequences of a Warming World
Over the last century, global average temperature has increased by more than 1°F
(0.7°C). The 2001-2010 decade is the warmest since 1880—the earliest year for
which comprehensive global temperature records were available. In fact, nine of
the warmest years on record have occurred in just the last 10 years. This warming
has been accompanied by a decrease in very cold days and nights and an increase
in extremely hot days and warm nights. The continental United States, for
example, has seen record daily highs twice as often as record daily lows from 2000
to 2009. While the record shows that some parts of the world are warming faster
than others, the long-term global upward trend is unambiguous.

Of course, land and ocean temperature is only one way to measure the effects of
climate change. A warming world also has the potential to change rainfall and
snow patterns, increase droughts and severe storms, reduce lake ice cover, melt
glaciers, increase sea levels, and change plant and animal behavior.

Regional Actions Add Up to Global Solutions

We encourage you to visit the solutions section of this web feature to find out
how you can take action to slow the pace of climate change and help minimize the
harmful consequences described in the hot spots!

Any action to reduce or eliminate the release of heat-trapping gases to the

atmosphere helps slow the rate of warming and, likely, the pace and severity of
change at any given hot spot. Local sources of carbon emissions vary from region
to region, suggesting that solutions are often decided at the community level. The
Climate Hot Map points to regional examples of climate-friendly energy,
transportation, or adaptation choices. Some regions, however, must rely upon
global solutions such as international agreements to reduce the carbon overload in
the atmosphere that threatens them. Small islands, for example, are a paltry source
of carbon emissions and yet are disproportionately affected by the consequences of
global carbon overload as accelerated sea level rise threatens the very existence of
low-lying islands.

Individual, regional, and national actions can all add up to global solutions,
slowing and eventually halting the upward climb of CO2 concentrations in the
atmosphere.

Quick Facts about Global Warming

 2014 was the World’s Hottest Year on Record. In fact, every year of the past
decade has been in the running for the world’s hottest year on record. Before 2014
was declared the hottest, it was 2010.
 It is estimated that by the Year 2050, more than 30% of plant and animal species
could become extinct due to global warming.
 The first animal to go extinct due to global warming was the golden toad in 1989.
 Humans Release 37 Billion Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Each Year.
 The average global sea level has risen by 8 inches since 1870. Additionally, the
annual rate of sea-level rise has increased.
 More Than 100 million people would be displaced by a rise in sea levels of just
one yard.
 There is more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere now that there has been in the last
800,000 years.
 Scientists expect a 3.5° F increase in average global temperatures by the year 2100,
resulting in the warmest temperatures in the past million years. The last time the
Earth was this warm 1.8 million years ago when sea levels were also 12-18 feet
higher.
 Global warming will affect Norway the least, and the country of Chad the most.
 As of October 2015, the Earth had warmed by about 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit since
1880, when scientists began keeping record
Global Warming FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What’s the difference between climate change and global warming?

Ans: “Global warming” refers to the long-term warming of the planet. Climate
change” encompasses global warming, but refers to the broader range of changes
that are happening to our planet. These include rising sea levels, shrinking
mountain glaciers, accelerating ice melt in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic,
and shifts in flower/plant blooming times. These are all consequences of the
warming, which is caused mainly by people burning fossil fuels and putting out
heat-trapping gases into the air. The terms “global warming” and “climate change”
are sometimes used interchangeably, but strictly they refer to slightly different
things.

Q2: Is the sun causing global warming?

Ans: The sun can influence the Earth’s climate, but it isn’t responsible for the
warming trend observed over the past few decades. The warming seen over the last
few decades is too rapid to be linked to changes in Earth’s orbit and too large to be
caused by solar activity. In fact, from 2005-2010 the sun has become less active,
while temperatures have marched upwards.

Q3: Is it too late to prevent climate change?

Ans: Even if we stopped emitting greenhouse gases today, global warming would
continue to happen for at least several more decades if not centuries. That’s
because it takes a while for the planet (for example, the oceans) to respond, and
because carbon dioxide – the predominant heat-trapping gas – lingers in the
atmosphere for hundreds of years. But it may not be too late to avoid or limit some
of the worst effects of climate change. Responding to climate change will involve a
two-tier approach: 1) “mitigation” – reducing the flow of greenhouse gases into the
atmosphere; and 2) “adaptation” – learning to live with, and adapt to, the climate
change that has already been set in motion.

Q4: Is the ozone hole causing climate change?

Ans: Although some of the sun’s UV rays slip through the hole, they account for
less than one percent of the sun’s energy. So these UV rays cannot explain the
global warming of the planet. However, scientists have uncovered recently, that the
ozone hole has been affecting climate in the Southern Hemisphere.

Q5: How do we know what the earth’s greenhouse gas and temperature levels
were in the distant past?

Ans: The Ice cores are scientists’ best source for historical climate data. Every
winter, some snow coating Arctic and Antarctic ice sheets are left behind and
compressed into a layer of ice. Scientists extract cylinders of ice from sheets that
are thousands of meters thick to analyze dust, ash, pollen, and bubbles of
atmospheric gas trapped inside. The deepest discovered ice cores are an estimated
800,000 years old. The particles trapped inside give scientists clues about volcanic
eruptions, desert extent, and forest fires. The presence of certain ions indicates past
ocean activity, levels of sea-ice and even the intensity of the sun. The bubbles can
be released to reveal the make-up of the ancient atmosphere, including greenhouse
gas levels.

Other tools for learning about Earth’s ancient atmosphere include growth rings in
trees, which keep a rough record of each growing season’s temperature, moisture,
and cloudiness going back about 2,000 years. Corals also form growth rings that
provide information about temperature and nutrients in the tropical ocean.
To sum up, although the extent of the damage that we have caused to the planet is
long lasting and far reaching, it’s not too late to mend our ways. It’s high time we
turned from the path of destruction and walked towards a better tomorrow.

We must conserve our environment and the planet as we owe it to the future
generations.