GLOBAL WARMING

Global Warming and Its Effects

Global Warming and Its Effects

Introduction

The phrase “global warming” refers to a phenomenon in which the Earth's surface temperature increases from its long-term averages generally because of an atmospheric blanket of greenhouse gases (GHGs; primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons) that serve to trap reradiated solar energy from escaping into space. This blanket of greenhouse gases is responsible for providing Earth a generally temperate, stable, and life-sustaining climate. In common parlance, global warming is often used interchangeably with climate change. In the present context, though, it is used in a more limited sense as a driver of global climate change. Climate change is one of the major issues in the world today. Although the geophysical and atmospheric drivers of global warming have been known for many years, and the consequences suspected, they were thought to be long term in nature—on the order of thousands of years. However, in testimony before the U.S. Congress in 1987 and 1988, climate scientist James Hansen characterized global warming as a real and present threat to the stability of Earth's climate system (The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather guide, 2010).

On the other hand, some scientists disagree with the perceived severity of global warming debate. The doubts are based on the concept of aerosols. Many scientists claim aerosols because blocking effect on solar radiation. They believe that warming of earth surface is temporary and will eventually be balanced by effects of aerosols. There is no doubt that global warming debate has taken the world by storm but is global warming a true phenomena or it is a reaction to changes in climate around the world.

Discussion

In order to comprehend the concept of global warming, it is important to discuss the green house effect and GHG (green house gases). When the plant's surface and atmosphere are affected by the emissions and absorption of sun's radiations of atmospheric gases, this phenomenon is known as green house effect. As atmosphere absorbs molecules of green house gases the air temperature rises. If the atmosphere contains heavy particles of carbon dioxide and water vapors then heat tends to be preserved.

Scientist's claim that if green house gases are eliminated, Equilibrium temperature of earth's temperature would fall around 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degree Fahrenheit i.e. 33 to minus 17 degree Celsius. Global warming is one reasons quoted for change in global climate pointing put to recent warming of earth's atmosphere. Human influence is regarded as a major reason behind global warming. Global warming not only refers to the current rise in temperature but also refers to projected future implication of climate change. In order to illustrate the increase in carbon dioxide emissions, see figure 1 (in the appendix) which provides data on GHG Emissions from 1970 to 2004 (IPCC 2007, pp.2).

According to a report presented by IPCC, Warming of the climate system is undeniable. Since 1850, past 20 years are among the warmest years recorded for global surface temperatures. The increase in temperature is wide spread and even ...