Global Warming: Definition, Causes & Its Harmful Effects.

Global warming is constantly rising in the earth’s temperature due to the increasing concentration of Greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, CFC, and other harmful gases).”

Over the years, the world has witnessed a significant increase in the global average temperature. 

Burning fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, petrol, etc., the industrial revolution, emission of excessive CFC(Chloro-Fluoro-Carbon) due to air conditioners, refrigerators, etc., are significantly responsible for the harmful effects of global warming on climate change.

Experts have suggested an average increase in temperature of 1.7oCper century. Climatologists have targeted to reduce the temperature by 1.4oC. If it is not, then the world will be marked by cataclysmic results. 

What is Global Warming?

The term “Global Warming” is a climatological phenomenon that refers to a gradual increase in the earth’s temperature due to increased concentrations of harmful gases like CFC, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrogen, etc. 

The rise in global average temperature, sea level, wildfires, drought, flood, biodiversity loss, etc., are some significant effects of global warming. For more, refer to a short note on global warming.  

Gases Responsible for Global Warming

The gases which are accountable for global warming are known as greenhouse gases. These harmful gases trap the heat and increase the temperature in the atmosphere. 

Carbon dioxide(CO2), Nitrous Oxide(N2O), Methane(CH4), Fluorinated Gases, etc., are mainly responsible for global warming. 

Carbon dioxide(CO2)- Burning of fuels, coals, plastic, solid waste, and chemical reactions led to carbon dioxide emission.

Nitrous Oxide(N2O)harmful pollutants from industries, combustion of vehicle fuels, etc., emit nitrous oxide. 

Methane(CH4) Methane is released due to the decomposition of municipal solid waste, production of coal, and various organic waste. 

Fluorinated Gases- Uses of refrigerators, air conditioners, and many other industrial appliances led to the emission of different harmful fluorinated gases like Hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride. Read NCERT Solution for Class 10 Social Science to know more about fluorinated gases. 

 Causes of Global Warming

The causes of global warming are classified into two categories

  1. Man-made causes of global warming.
  2. Natural causes of global warming. 

Man-Made Causes of Global Warming

Deforestation

Deforestation is the major cause of global warming. Cutting down trees and plants and cleaning jungles disturbed the balance of nature. Plants are the primary source of oxygen. They intake CO2 and increase the oxygen level in the environment, but deforestation lets the process vice-versa. 

Industrial Pollution

Harmful chemical reactions, burning fuels, etc., are the leading causes of global warming. As we stated above, since the advent of the industrial revolution, the global average temperature is increased by 1.7oC.

Burning of Vehicle’s Fuels

Running vehicles on the road is also one of the significant man-made causes of global warming. Burning fossils in vehicles releases carbon dioxide, adversely affecting the climate. 

Natural Causes of Global Warming

Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanic Eruptions are the primary natural causes of global warming. The climate gets affected due to the smoke and the ashes that come from the volcanic eruptions.

Forest Blazes

Forest fire discharges a large amount of carbon-containing smoke, which is harmful. The smoke and carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere create global warming.

Water Vapor

It can be a part of greenhouse gas, but due to the earth’s temperature, water evaporates from the reservoirs and stays in the atmosphere causing global warming. 

Harmful Effects of Global Warming on Climate Change

Here are some of the significant harmful effects of global warming.

Temperature Rise

Global warming increases atmospheric temperature. Melting glaciers due to temperature rise leads to increased sea levels and can bring natural calamity. It is also responsible for the increase in average global temperature by 1.7oC.

Unfavorable Climate Change

Global warming affects the climate badly. In recent years the world has seen many imbalanced climatic conditions like irregular weather patterns, floods, acid rain, conflagration, etc. 

Harmful Diseases

Global warming leads to an increase in temperature, as abnormal temperature increases in the atmosphere associate the human body with various diseases. 

Read more about human disease.

Damage to Ecosystem

Global warming adversely affects the chain of the ecosystem. An increase in the unusual temperature of the earth damages biodiversity and the cycle of the ecosystem. It puts life in danger of plants, species, water, etc.

 Natural Calamity

Due to the increase in temperature, the sea level rises, welcoming devastating floods, tsunamis, and many other natural calamities. 

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is global warming?

Global warming is the rise in the earth’s temperature due to increased levels of harmful gases (carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, CFC, hydrogen), etc. 

What are the causes of global warming?

Here are the causes of global warming.

  1. Deforestation
  2. Burning of fossil fuels
  3. Industrial waste
  4. Volcanic eruption
  5. CFC(Chloro Fluoro Carbon)
  6. Overpopulation
  7. Forest Blazes
  8. Agriculture
  9. Power generation
  10. Manufacturing of goods

What is CFC? How does it affect the environment?

CFC is Chlorofluorocarbon. It is a halogenated hydrocarbon that consists of carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine. The ozone layer is responsible for protecting the earth from harmful ultraviolet rays. CFC is harmful to the ozone.

The author of this blog- Martin Victor

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