What is Global Warming?

The global warming is one of the most heard terms, especially when the subject is the current situation of the atmosphere, right? But do you know what global warming is really about?

Do you know its main causes? Or are you aware of the main effects caused by it?

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

This is due to the fact that it is primarily responsible for emitting gases considered harmful to the atmosphere, thus causing various 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 land surface and oceans over time.

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

This dynamic is similar to the functioning of a greenhouse, 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 eventually leads to gradual warming of the planet.

Main causes of global warming

Human activities that release gases into the atmosphere are primarily responsible for global warming. Among these activities, we can highlight:

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

Deforestation and land-use change: Deforestation and the conversion of forest areas to agricultural or urban land reduce the ability of forests to absorb CO2, contributing to increased carbon emissions.< /p>

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

Fertilizer use: Agricultural fertilizers contain nitrous oxide (N2O), another powerful greenhouse gas, released when fertilizers break down 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 the concentrations of greenhouse gases 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 are accelerating the melting of glaciers and ice caps in regions such as Antarctica and Greenland.

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

2.Ascension of the maritime surface:

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

These factors are responsible for raising sea levels. In addition, they cause more frequent coastal flooding, causing coastal communities, infrastructure and coastal ecosystems to suffer from this threat.

3.Changes found in rain 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 adversely affected by these climate changes.

4.Increase in the frequency and consequently in the intensity of weather 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 security of communities.

5. Rise in global biodiversity loss:

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

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

Conclusion

In summary, 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 a variety of harmful effects, such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme climate change, and loss of biodiversity.

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