The Science Behind: Global Warming (Cover- Ishita Baghel)
Updated: Jun 15, 2020
The planet we are living in is facing the greatest environmental challenge. In easier words, the fuel we use to power our homes, our cars, and our businesses is causing the earth to warm faster than anyone ever expected. This article is all about Global Warming. Particularly, the causes, effects, and solutions to it. So hang tight! You are about to acquire some great knowledge about Global Warming.
Causes of Global Warming:
Let's start off with the definition of global warming. What exactly is Global Warming? Global warming is an increase in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and farming but mainly from increased levels of greenhouse gases. Feinstein.senate.gov states that “The last three decades were the warmest in the United States since national record-keeping began in 1895. And the Earth’s temperature has climbed to the highest point it has been in the past 12,000 years.” The Earth has warmed 1 degree in the past century, and effects such as oceans rising, species disappearing, and glaciers melting are visible to the eye. This is really harmful to the world and should not happen, if it does then our planet is in danger.
Effects of Global Warming
The average temperature of the Earth is rising at nearly twice the rate it was 50 years ago. According to NASA, "On Earth, human activities are changing the natural greenhouse. The consequences of changing the natural atmospheric greenhouse are difficult to predict, but certain effects seem likely." These effects could be the Earth becoming warmer. Some regions may welcome warmer temperatures, while others may not. "Warmer conditions will probably lead to more evaporation and precipitation overall, but individual regions will vary, some becoming wetter and others drier. A stronger greenhouse effect will probably warm the oceans and partially melt glaciers and other ice, increasing sea level. Ocean water also will expand if it warms, contributing to further sea-level rise," as stated by NASA.
Extreme weather patterns are occurring such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and floods, and they are coming with a larger frequency and intensity. This will only get worse as the Earth’s temperature rises. The question is: What can we do to help?
Solutions to prevent Global Warming:
We all must do our part by adopting a greener and healthier lifestyle. Try to drive less and walk more or take public transport. Make it a habit to recycle whenever you can and try not to have an unnecessary wastage of goods. Save electricity by switching off appliances when not in use. Most importantly, plant a tree as a single tree can absorb one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. This may seem little to your right now but if everyone lends a hand, this can have a great impact on the planet.
We have been changing the climate for the worse by doing the wrong things. Now let’s try and change it for the best by doing the right things.
Until next time...
Love,
Khushi
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