Global Warming Overview

Study Notes

Definition

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases.

Causes

Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuel combustion.
- Methane (CH4) from agriculture and livestock.
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) from fertilizers.
Deforestation:
- Reduces the number of trees that can absorb CO2.
Industrial Processes:
- Release of various greenhouse gases.

Effects

Temperature Rise:
- Increase in global average temperatures.
Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers:
- Contributes to rising sea levels.
Extreme Weather Events:
- Increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, droughts, and floods.
Ecosystem Disruption:
- Habitat loss and species extinction.
Ocean Acidification:
- Increased CO2 absorption by oceans affects marine life.

Mitigation Strategies

Reducing Fossil Fuel Use:
- Transition to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro).
Energy Efficiency:
- Improving efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries.
Afforestation and Reforestation:
- Planting trees to absorb CO2.
Sustainable Agriculture:
- Practices that limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Capture and Storage:
- Technologies to capture and store CO2 emissions from sources before they enter the atmosphere.

International Agreements

Kyoto Protocol:
- International treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Paris Agreement:
- Countries committed to limit temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Key Terms

Greenhouse Effect: Natural process where certain gases trap heat, keeping the planet warm.
Carbon Footprint: Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization, or product.
Climate Change: Broad term encompassing global warming and its impacts, including shifting weather patterns and impacts on ecosystems.

Current Trends

Ongoing increases in global temperatures, with recent years being among the hottest on record.
Ongoing discussions and actions regarding climate policy and sustainability initiatives worldwide.

Global Warming: Causes and Effects

Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature driven by human activities, primarily greenhouse gas emissions.
Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Sources include fossil fuel combustion, agriculture, and industrial processes.
Deforestation significantly reduces CO2 absorption, exacerbating warming.
Rising global temperatures lead to melting ice caps and glaciers, contributing to sea-level rise.
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes, droughts, and floods.
Ecosystems are disrupted, causing habitat loss and species extinction.
Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO2 absorption, harms marine life.

Mitigation and International Efforts

Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) is crucial to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries minimizes energy consumption and emissions.
Afforestation and reforestation efforts help absorb atmospheric CO2.
Sustainable agricultural practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions from farming.
Carbon capture and storage technologies aim to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement are international treaties focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global temperature increases.

Key Concepts and Trends

The greenhouse effect is a natural process that traps heat, but human activities have intensified it.
Carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with an individual or entity.
Climate change encompasses global warming and its resulting impacts on weather patterns and ecosystems.
Global temperatures continue to rise, with recent years consistently ranking among the warmest on record.
International collaboration and policy discussions on climate action are ongoing.

Description

This quiz explores the definition, causes, effects, and mitigation strategies related to global warming. Test your knowledge on how human activities impact the Earth's climate and the urgent need for environmental action. Explore the implications of rising temperatures and strategies for a sustainable future.