Global Warming and its effects

Global warming is a phenomenon of climate change or the long-term heating of the Earth’s climate system. It can be characterized by a general increase in temperatures, observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900) due to human activities, primarily fossil fuel burning, which increases heat-trapping greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere. The term Global warming is used interchangeably with the term climate change, though the latter refers to both human and naturally produced warming and the effects it has on our planet. It also modifies the weather balances and ecosystems. It is directly linked to the increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, worsening the greenhouse effect. The average temperature has increased Earth’s global surface by about 1 degree Celsius, a value that is currently increasing by 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade. Since the beginning of the statistical surveys in 1850, Each of the last three decades has been warmer than all previous decades. Scientists expect an increase of between 1.5° and 5.3°C (34.7° to 41.5°F) in average temperature by 2100, due to the pace of current CO2 emissions.

EFFECTS
Here are some consequences that show the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Global Warming or Climate change can and will affect the globe in several big ways. Some of the ways are mentioned below

1. Melting ice: The melting of glaciers and sea ice is the most visible effect of climate change so far. A 2016 study shows that there is a 99% chance that global warming has caused the recent retreat of glaciers. The research also found that these rivers of ice retreated 10 to 15 times. Glacier National Park, situated in Montana, U.S.A had approx 150 glaciers in the late 1800s. Today, there are only 26. The loss of glaciers can also cause the loss of human life.
2. Heating up: As Global warming increases, the world will get warmer as a result many dry areas are expected to get even drier. Thus, it will change things between the poles. In western North America, the future of drought is likely to be worse than anybody has ever experienced in the history of the United States.
3. Extreme weather: Extreme weather is another impact of Global Warming as hurricanes and typhoons are expected to become more intense as the planet warms. Hotter oceans evaporate more moisture. We can also assume that even if the world diversifies its energy sources and transitions to a less fossil-fuel-intensive economy, tropical cyclones are likely to be up to 11% more intense on average which results in more wind and water damage on vulnerable coastlines.

By- Sakshi Bhardwaj