What is Global Warming? Causes, Effects and its Prevention.
Global warming is a phenomenon which occurs due to rise in average temperature of the earth. It has a diverse effect on climate change in our system. Due to change in temperature, weather changes which disturbs the balance of the ecosystem. The main reason behind the rising temperature of the earth are the over production of the greenhouse gases and increased human activities. Greenhouse gases includes the carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, nitrous oxide (NO2, NO).
Causes of global warming:
The main causes of the global warming involving increased human activities are:
Burning of fossils fuels:
Burning of fossil fuels are the major and first cause of global warming. By burning coal, oil or natural gas, produced in the industries, releases CO2 in the atmosphere, resulting in increase in greenhouse effect. Greenhouse effect is described as a process that occurs when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's radiations. The greenhouse effect is one of the major things that makes this planet a comfortable place to live.
Excessive cutting of the forests is the main cause of increase in temperature of the earth. Plants usually absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and regulate the oxygen in the air. When trees are cut down, this effect is lost and stored carbon is released in the air polluting the environment. According to the 2010 Global Forest Resources Assessment, deforestation releases nearly a billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere per year.
Over-consumption of the resources:
Over-consumption of the resources also play a role in increasing the earth’s temperature. The overexploitation of the natural resources disturbs the balance of the ecosystem. Smoke, dust and raw carbon released into the air from the vehicles and other transport systems increases the CO2 in the environment.
Extensive use of livestock and landfills causes increased in the greenhouse gases such as methane production. According to the EPA, human activities are responsible for more than 60 percent of methane emissions. During mining process, metals and minerals consumption produces the large amount of methane and carbon dioxide. These raw materials are widely used in the construction, transportation and manufacturing of the goods.
Effects of global warming:
As a result of global warming, the environment as well as human health is majorly concerned from this phenomenon. The major consequences of global warming are as follows:
Increase in temperature due to high level of carbon dioxide in the air causes difficulty in breathing. Toxicity in the atmosphere is harmful to the patients having asthma and other breathing related problems. Smoke coming from industries causes pollution in the air and transport vehicles causes methane and chlorofluorocarbons release in the air which are increasing the toxicity level of the environment.
The increase of temperatures and the climate change disturbs the whole ecosystems, by modifying the conditions and cycles of plant reproduction. Lack of resources and climate change are changing life habitats and migratory cycles of animals. Many species are getting endangered due to this worst climate change- including endemic species. Global warming has a huge impact on our biodiversity. Balance of the ecosystem is threatened.
Due to higher temperatures, glaciers are melting at a fast pace, and directly affecting the ocean and marine environment. It also increases the sea level to a higher level which was never seen before. Many habitats such as coral reefs are disrupted and causing many plant and animal species to the level of extinction.
Many natural calamities such as floods, tornadoes, hurricanes are followed by the global warming effect. These calamities have huge impact on animals as well as on humans causing drought in many areas. Intense heat waves causes dry places to much hotter and drier.
Preventive measures for global warming:
Major preventive measures for global warming are:
As we have discussed earlier that increased deforestation is highly contributing in the global warming hence it should be reduced. When large number of forest are cut down or burned, carbon dioxide, is released into the atmosphere causing the level of CO2 to a high level.
By using public transportation, electric and hydrogen mobility, can definitely help reduce CO2 emissions and thus it can fight with the global warming effect. The easiest way to reduce carbon emissions is to drive less. We can also adopt the habit of walk or ride a bike. Keep your car maintained so that it does not generate unnecessary smoke in the environment.
Use renewable energy sources:
Renewable energy comes from natural sources or processes that are constantly replenished or restored such as solar, wind, biomass and geothermal energies. The energy you use at home and work contributes to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the air.
Solar energy systems are very common in these days. They usually don’t produce air pollutants or greenhouse gases, and as long as they are perfectly placed.
Wind energy is usually used in running the turbine’s blades, which feeds an electric generator and produces electricity. Wind energy has become the cheapest energy source in many parts of the world.
Biomass includes organic material that is collected from plants and animals, also including crops, waste wood, and forest residues. When biomass is burned, the chemical energy is released as heat energy and can generate electricity.
By using these renewable energies, you can reduce your personal carbon footprint. You can also use LED lights, which are less costly and use up to 75 percent less energy and last longer than ordinary bulbs. You can also upgrade heating and cooling systems of your house to make sure that energy is not wasted.
Recycling is very important for the clean and clear environment. It is an absolute necessity for dealing with waste material. Bad ways of waste disposal plays a major role in the global warming.
When it comes to throw away items or products, try to recycle them or donate them to another source so that they don't end up in a landfill. Please try not to waste the food because when food is decomposed in a neglected landfill, this process releases methane, which is harmful for our ecosystem. Hence recycling is very important for a safe and healthy environment.
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