Let's start with a classic question. WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING?
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate. The scientific consensus on climatic changes related to global warming is that the average temperature of the Earth has risen between 0.4 and 0.8 °C over the past 100 years.So...WHAT CAUSES GLOBAL WARMING?
The Earth maintains a habitable temperature due to the Greenhouse Effects, which allows heat from the sun to penetrate our atmosphere, where it is absorbed by the Earth’s surface or radiated out and reflected back to Earth by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Without it, the Earth would be a cold and hostile planet, and would most likely be uninhabitable.However, maintaining the natural balance necessary to keep the Earth’s temperature within a range that is viable for life as we know it is a very fine line that can easily be crossed.
Greenhouse gases are naturally occurring gases that pose no harm when they are in balance. However, since the dawn to of the Industrial Revolution, humans have increasingly been contributing unnatural sources of greenhouse gases into the system, causing the system to become unbalanced and things start to go awry.
Look at the GIF below to have a better understanding about Greenhouse Effects.
Anthropogenic Causes of Global Warming
The most important greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapor. While all these gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, emissions from human sources have caused their levels to rise to a point that is no longer sustainable.
Let's take a look at the major human causes of global warming.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING?
Even a seemingly slight average temperature rise is enough to cause a dramatic transformation of our planet. Human influences are the number one cause of global warming, especially the carbon pollution we cause by burning fossil fuels and the pollution-capturing we prevent by destroying forests.
This warming is altering the earth's climate system, including its land, atmosphere, oceans, and ice, in far-reaching ways.Higher temperatures are worsening many types of disasters, including storms, heat waves, floods, and droughts. A warmer climate creates an atmosphere that can collect, retain, and drop more water, changing weather patterns in such a way that wet areas become wetter and dry areas drier.
The increasing number of droughts, intense storms, and floods we're seeing as our warming atmosphere holds—and then dumps—more moisture poses risks to public health and safety, too. Prolonged dry spells mean more than just scorched lawns. Drought conditions jeopardize access to clean drinking water, fuel out-of-control wildfires, and result in dust storms, extreme heat events, and flash flooding in the States. Elsewhere around the world, lack of water is a leading cause of death and serious disease. At the opposite end of the spectrum, heavier rains cause streams, rivers, and lakes to overflow, which damages life and property, contaminates drinking water, creates hazardous material spills and promotes mold infestation and unhealthy air. A warmer, wetter world is also a boon for food-borne and waterborne illnesses and disease-carrying insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.
GLOBAL WARMING = HIGHER DEATH RATES
GLOBAL WARMING = HIGHER WILDLIFE EXTINCTION RATES
GLOBAL WARMING = MORE ACIDIC OCEAN
GLOBAL WARMING = HIGHER SEA LEVEL
GLOBAL WARMING = DIRTIER AIR
WONDERING HOW TO STOP GLOBAL WARMING?
Nations around the world are upping their game in the fight against climate change. At the Paris climate summit in 2015, 195 countries signed a historic agreement to reduce their carbon emissions, with the goal of limiting future warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.It was a big step in the right direction. But it’s important to remember the equally vital contributions that can be made by private citizens.
The goal is simple. Carbon dioxide is the climate’s worst enemy. It’s released when oil, coal, and other fossil fuels are burned for energy—the energy we use to power our homes, cars, and smartphones. By using less of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate change while also saving money.
Here are 10 easy, effective ways each one of us can make a difference:
1. Speak up!
What’s the single biggest way you can make an impact on global climate change? Talk to your friends and family, and make sure your representatives are making good decisions. By voicing your concerns—via social media or, better yet, directly to your elected officials—you send a message that you care about the warming world.
2. Power your home with renewable energy.
Choose a utility company that generates at least half its power from the wind or solar and has been certified.
3. Weatherize, weatherize, weatherize.
Building heating and cooling are among the biggest uses of energy. Indeed, heating and air-conditioning account for almost half of home energy use. You can make your space more energy efficient by sealing drafts and ensuring it’s adequately insulated.
4. Invest in energy-efficient appliances.
Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air. That’s about the same amount of the annual carbon pollution coughed up by nearly 440 million cars. When shopping for refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It will tell you which are the most efficient.
Since they were first implemented nationally in 1987, efficiency standards for dozens of appliances and products have kept 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide out of the air. That’s about the same amount of the annual carbon pollution coughed up by nearly 440 million cars. When shopping for refrigerators, washing machines, and other appliances, look for the Energy Star label. It will tell you which are the most efficient.
5. Actually eat the food you buy—and make less of it meat.
Approximately 10 percent of energy use goes into growing, processing, packaging, and shipping food—about 40 percent of which just winds up in the landfill. If you’re wasting less food, you’re likely cutting down on energy consumption. Since livestock products are among the most resource-intensive to produce, eating meat-free meals can make a big difference, too.
6. Buy better bulbs.
LED light bulbs use up to 80 percent less energy than conventional incandescents. They’re also cheaper in the long run.
7. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle.
Gas-smart cars, such as hybrids and fully electric vehicles, save fuel and money.
8. Maintain your ride.
A simple tune-up can boost miles per gallon anywhere from 4 percent to 40 percent, and a new air filter can get you a 10 percent boost.
9. Rethink planes, trains, and automobiles.
Choosing to live in walkable smart-growth cities and towns with quality public transportation leads to less driving, less money spent on fuel, and less pollution in the air. Less frequent flying can make a big difference, too.
10. Shrink your carbon profile.
You can offset the carbon you produce by purchasing carbon offsets, which represent the clean power that you can add to the nation’s energy grid in place of power from fossil fuels.
Global warming isn't a prediction. It's happening. The story of humankind and our relationship to the Earth maybe seen as a continuing adventure or a tragedy shrouded in mystery. the choice is ours. Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. do not sit this one out. Do something and make a change.
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