Understanding Global Warming Causes and Consequences

Study Notes

Global Warming

Global warming is leading to increased melting of polar ice caps and Himalayan snow caps, resulting in a rise in sea level that can submerge many coastal areas.
The measures to control global warming include cutting down the use of fossil fuel, improving efficiency of energy usage, reducing deforestation, planting trees, and slowing down the growth of human population.
International initiatives are being taken to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Ozone Depletion

'Good' ozone is found in the upper part of the atmosphere called the stratosphere, and it acts as a shield absorbing ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Ozone depletion is occurring widely in the stratosphere, particularly marked over the Antarctic region, resulting in the formation of a large area of thinned ozone layer, commonly called as the ozone hole.
UV-B radiation damages DNA and causes mutation, as well as aging of skin, damage to skin cells, and various types of skin cancers.
The Montreal Protocol, signed in 1987, aimed to control the emission of ozone depleting substances.

Greenhouse Effect

Clouds and gases reflect about one-fourth of the incoming solar radiation, and absorb some of it.
Almost half of incoming solar radiation falls on Earth's surface, heating it, while a small proportion is reflected back.
Earth's surface re-emits heat in the form of infrared radiation, which is absorbed by atmospheric gases (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane, etc.).
These gases radiate heat energy, which again comes to Earth's surface, thus heating it up once again.
The increase in the level of greenhouse gases has led to considerable heating of Earth, resulting in global warming.

Degradation of Natural Resources

The degradation of natural resources can occur not just by the action of pollutants but also by improper resource utilisation practices.
Soil erosion and desertification can occur due to human activities like over-cultivation, unrestricted grazing, deforestation, and poor irrigation practices.
The development of the fertile top-soil takes centuries, but it can be removed very easily due to these activities.

Description

Learn about the effects of global warming, including the melting of polar ice caps, rising sea levels, and potential coastal submergence. Discover how human activities contribute to this phenomenon and what measures can be taken to control it.