CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

Global W arming is an issue of our world at-large. The emission of harmful gases like carbon dioxide and others into the atmosphere makes it difficult to maintain the natural environmental conditions. Despite extensive efforts by the authorities, not enough people realize and act on the importance of avoiding global warming. This is mainly due to the fact that despite the presence of legislation, the implementation has not been done the way it was supposed to and consequently, global warming is still ongoing. The main effects of massive global warming can be witnessed in the form of extended climates. The frequency of floods and hurricanes in the coastal areas around the globe has increased. The temperature extremes are commonplace these days. Similarly, many areas are experiencing droughts and forest fires every now and then. The change in the atmospheric temperature brings about several artificial changes to the wild animals. The migration pattern of various animals and birds is being adversely affected by global warming as more and more creatures tend to move farther from the equatorial regions. For example, the butterflies and mosquitos are now found in the areas away from their natural habitat. Butterflies as such are not dangerous for human health, however mosquitos may cause malaria which is obviously a fatal disease. Not only animals, but vegetables are also not safe from the negative effects of global warming. The growth patterns of various flowers and plants have deviated from the natural route. Due to extreme temperatures, the agricultural yield cannot be achieved according to the demand. The physiology of the plants is also affected by the depletion of ozone. The process of photosynthesis is triggered which produces a large number of allergen. One of the main causes of global warming is the release of many harmful gases into the atmosphere which gives rise to the Greenhouse effect. Due to depletion of the ozone layer, more and more cases of skin cancer have been reported in recent times. The carbon dioxide absorbed by the seawater is released with the decrease in temperature of the waters. Burning fossil fuels, therefore, gives rise to the most serious problems of the modern world. The use of various fuels like petrol and diesel etc is yet another cause of the release of carbon dioxide into the air. Apart from the medical problems in the shape of various diseases, global warming has far reaching effects on the world economy which has created much hype about the phenomenon. Scientists consider it to be the main cause for the increasing cases of cancers and skin infections. However, they have not been very successful in making their point clear to the masses as they do not feel motivated towards supporting the battle against global warming as a motivator of human civilizations. This entire situation has gotten to such a state that there is a dire need for a plethora of social environmental revolutions around the globe.

http://www.greeningearthsociety.org/Causes-and-Effects-of-Global-Warming

Global warming first emerged as a cause of global concern in the 1980's, a result of the apparent rise in global temperatures, believed to be due to human activities, such as burning of fossil fuels and destruction of forests. There is debate as to whether global warming exists, as it could merely be another example of changes in temperature the world has seen over millions of years. It is important to distinguish global warming from the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring phenomenon, without which human life would not exist on the earth.

Causes of global warming

Many greenhouses gases exist naturally, and it is human actions that are increasing their concentrations within the lower atmosphere. It is believed that as the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases, the amount of long-wave (infra-red) radiation in the lower atmosphere also increases, thus raising temperatures. The table below outlines the major sources of greenhouses gases:

Gas:

Source:

Use:

Way it increases global warming:

Water vapour

Oceans, lakes, rivers, reservoirs. Humans have little impact upon levels.

Absorbs limited outgoing radiation.

Water vapour and clouds are responsible for nearly 98% of the natural greenhouse effect.

Carbon dioxide

Burning of fossil fuels, and forests, breathing animals, less produced by southern hemisphere (less land).

Absorption of long wave radiation.

Approximately 50%.

Methane (CH4)

Much from break down of organic matter by bacteria (rice paddy fields) cows, swamps marshes.

As above.

Approximately 18%.

Ozone

Naturally from some oxygen atoms. Ozone in the Filters short wave troposphere is due to chemical reactions between Difficult to estimate. UV radiation. sunlight and agents of pollution.

CFCs

Fridges and aerosols.

25%, but increasing due to ability to survive within the atmosphere for 100 years.

Nitrous oxide

Nitrate fertilisers, transport and power stations (combustion).

Absorption of long wave

Approximately 6%.

radiation.

Positive and negative effects

It is important to remember that whilst most publicity concentrates on the negative side of global warming it will undoubtedly have some positive consequences.

Impact on:

Effect:

Consequence (-):

Consequence (+):

Health

Malaria and cholera increase, due to temperature increase.

More money needed to fight disease, strain on medical services, rise in death rate.

Shifting flora and fauna to Vegetation different areas. Extinction of some species.

Spread of pests and disease, alteration in crop yields, may increase food shortages.

Canadian Prairies could become major wheat growing belt. Areas able to grow different crops, for example, citrus fruits in the UK.

More extreme climates in inland Weather locations. More frequent and devastating hurricanes. Unknown at present. Unknown at present.

Sea temperatures increase, sea Changes in number of fish stocks Ocean levels rise, shift in ocean currents. and their location will impact the Increase in fish stocks in certain areas. fish industry.

Reduced snow cover in some Landscape areas. Glaciers melt in Antarctica. Rise in sea levels.

Extended summer season in some landscapes due to higher temperatures, increasing revenue.

Reduction of wetland areas, as Hydrology

Great pressure on water precipitation is reduced. In supplies. Problems for HEP some places river flooding may schemes and irrigation. increase.

Increased awareness of water conservation measures, less water wastage.

Population Reduction of areas suitable for Increased population densities human habitation, for example. increase possibility of disease

Forced movement of population from densely populated coastal areas, to

lowland Bangladesh.

and malnutrition.

interior locations.

Location of jet stream may Climate

Better forecasting needed to

alter. Depressions may shift warn people of approaching More accurate weather forecasting south, causing them to be more storms. Insurance premiums will developed. intense. increase.

http://www.s-cool.co.uk/a-level/geography/environmental-hazards/revise-it/causes-and-effects-ofglobal-warming