Understanding Global Warming

• Global warming refers to the long-term heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in Earth's atmosphere.

Key Factors and Mechanisms

• Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
• These gases allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere but trap outgoing infrared radiation, warming the Earth.
• Deforestation reduces the number of trees available to absorb CO2.
• Agriculture, particularly livestock farming, contributes significantly to methane emissions.
• Industrial processes release greenhouse gases, including fluorinated gases, which can have a high global warming potential.
• Climate change includes long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns.

Impacts of Global Warming

• Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
• Changes in precipitation patterns result in more droughts and floods.
• Glaciers and ice sheets are melting, contributing to sea-level rise.
• Oceans absorb CO2, leading to ocean acidification, which threatens marine life.
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns disrupt ecosystems.
• Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns can impact crop yields.
• Extreme weather events can lead to displacement, food shortages, and increased poverty.

Evidence of Global Warming

• Thermometers worldwide have recorded increasing average temperatures.
• Satellites measure the energy emitted from Earth, confirming less heat is escaping to space.
• Ice cores provide a historical record of atmospheric composition and temperature.
• Sea levels are rising.
• Glaciers and ice sheets are shrinking.
• Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense.

Mitigation Strategies

• Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
• Improving energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industry.
• Protecting and restoring forests to enhance carbon sequestration.
• Adopting sustainable agricultural practices.
• Capturing and storing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities.
• Policies include carbon taxes, cap-and-trade systems, and regulations.
• The Paris Agreement is a global effort to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• Individual actions include reducing energy consumption, adopting sustainable transportation, eating less meat, and supporting sustainable products.

Scientific Consensus

• Multiple studies show that 97% or more of actively publishing climate scientists agree that climate-warming trends over the past century are extremely likely due to human activities.
• IPCC reports synthesize the scientific literature and provide a comprehensive assessment of climate change.
• The IPCC involves thousands of scientists from around the world.
• Reports are reviewed by experts and governments.
• National Academies of Science from numerous countries have issued statements affirming the reality of human-caused climate change.

Uncertainties and Challenges

• Predicting the exact magnitude and timing of future warming
• Predicting regional impacts of climate change
• Political and economic barriers
• Technological challenges
• Public awareness and engagement

Explore the causes and impacts of global warming, including greenhouse gases, deforestation, and climate change. Understand how human activities contribute to rising temperatures and altered weather patterns worldwide. Learn about the key factors driving this phenomenon.