What is global warming?

THE global warming is one of the most frequently heard terms, especially when the topic is the current state of the atmosphere, right? But do you know what global warming really is?

Do you know its main causes? Or are you aware of its main effects?

First of all, it is worth remembering that global warming is negative for the environmental and sustainable development of the planet.

This happens because it is mainly responsible for emitting gases considered harmful to the atmosphere, thus causing several environmental and social problems.

What is global warming?

Human activities release a series of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and others, causing the climate phenomenon known as global warming.

This phenomenon results in an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface and oceans over time.

These gases, responsible for heat variations in the atmosphere, act as a “blanket” around the Earth, allowing solar radiation to enter but making it difficult for it to escape back into space.

This dynamic is similar to how a greenhouse works, where sunlight enters, heats the interior and the heat is retained inside.

As the concentration of these gases increases in the atmosphere, the greenhouse effect intensifies, which ultimately leads to the gradual warming of the planet.

Main causes of global warming

Human activities that release gases into the atmosphere are primarily responsible for global warming. These activities include:

Burning of fossil fuels: The burning of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production, transportation, and industry releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere.

Deforestation and land use change: Deforestation and the conversion of forest areas into agricultural or urban land reduce the capacity of forests to absorb CO2, contributing to increased carbon emissions.

Intensive agriculture: Large-scale animal farming, especially ruminants like cows, and rice cultivation, release methane (CH4), a very potent greenhouse gas.

Use of fertilizers: Agricultural fertilizers contain nitrous oxide (N2O), another powerful greenhouse gas, released when fertilizers degrade in the soil.

Industry: Some industries release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) during their production processes.

Solid waste: Improper disposal of solid waste, such as the decomposition of organic materials in landfills, produces methane.

These human activities have caused a significant increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming.

To mitigate the effects of global warming and preserve the planet's climate balance, it is essential to reduce emissions of these gases.

Effects caused by it

Global warming has several significant effects on the environment and society. The five main effects of this phenomenon are:

1. Liquefaction of glaciers and polar ice caps:

Rising temperatures accelerate the melting of glaciers and ice caps in regions such as Antarctica and Greenland.

This process results in rising sea levels, posing a threat to coastal areas and sensitive ecosystems.

2. Sea surface rise:

Global warming causes the thermal expansion of the oceans and the liquefaction (melting) of glaciers and polar ice caps.

These factors are responsible for sea level rise. Furthermore, they cause more frequent coastal flooding, placing coastal communities, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems at risk.

3. Changes found in rainfall patterns:

Rainfall and drought patterns in various regions of the world are changing due to global warming.

This causes some areas to experience more intense rainfall and flooding, while others experience prolonged droughts.

Agriculture and the availability of water resources are harmed by these climate changes.

4. Increase in the frequency and consequently in the intensity of climate events considered extreme:

Due to global warming, extreme weather events, such as stronger storms, hurricanes, heat waves, wildfires, and even devastating floods, have increased in frequency and intensity.

These events have significant impacts on the infrastructure, economy and safety of communities.

5. Rise in global biodiversity loss:

Climate change can lead to the alteration of natural habitats and, consequently, to the migration of species in search of more suitable climatic conditions.

This process can result in the loss of biodiversity, as some species may not be able to adapt or find new suitable habitats, thus leading to possible extinctions.

The Importance of Global Action to Combat Global Warming

Climate change and global warming are global problems that require coordinated efforts among countries, international organizations, governments, and civil society. Several agreements and initiatives have been established with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming.

One of the major milestones in this effort is the Paris Agreement, which was adopted in 2015 by 196 countries, including Brazil. The agreement aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels, preferably at 1.5°C, with the aim of reducing the most severe impacts of global warming. To this end, countries have committed to adopting policies and measures to reduce their carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency.

However, the success of such agreements depends on concrete actions and commitment from all parties involved, especially the most industrialized countries, which have historically contributed the highest emissions. Furthermore, the engagement of companies, communities, and citizens is essential to reduce individual and collective carbon footprints.

These initiatives, while positive, need to be accompanied by efficient public policies and increased environmental awareness to effectively combat global warming.

Sustainable Solutions to Combat Global Warming

To combat global warming, it's essential to adopt sustainable practices and technologies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate their impacts. Several solutions can be implemented at the local, regional, and global levels. Some of these include:

1. Transition to Renewable Energy:
   Replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass, is one of the main strategies for reducing CO2 emissions. The advancement and widespread adoption of these technologies can transform the energy sector and reduce dependence on polluting sources.

2. Reforestation and Forest Conservation:
   Forests play a crucial role in capturing CO2, one of the main greenhouse gases. Reforestation and conservation initiatives for existing forests, especially in the Amazon, can help reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. Furthermore, it is important to combat illegal deforestation, which contributes significantly to carbon release.

3. Sustainable Agriculture and Responsible Land Use:
   Implementing sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroecology, the cultivation of drought-resistant crops, and the rational use of fertilizers, can help reduce emissions of gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. Responsible land use also involves avoiding deforestation and promoting the restoration of degraded areas.

4. Sustainable Mobility:
   Transitioning to more sustainable transportation systems, such as electric vehicles, efficient public transportation, and encouraging cycling and walking, can significantly reduce vehicle-related greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, promoting more compact and accessible cities can reduce the need for long car trips.

5. Energy Efficiency and Circular Economy:
   Adopting more energy-efficient technologies and processes, such as improving building insulation and using more energy-efficient appliances, can also help reduce energy demand and, consequently, emissions. The circular economy, which seeks to reduce waste and reuse materials, is also an important solution for reducing environmental impacts.

These solutions, if implemented in an integrated manner, could represent a significant advance in the fight against global warming. What is essential is collective commitment and immediate action to ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

Conclusion

In short, global warming is a phenomenon caused by human activities, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, intensifying the greenhouse effect and raising the Earth's temperature.

This results in several harmful effects, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme climate change and loss of biodiversity.

Therefore, to face this challenge, it is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable practices, seeking to ensure a safer and more balanced future for the planet.