Global Warming: Causes, Effects, and Solutions - Notes

Introduction

Global warming is caused by the increase in greenhouse gases, which traps heat and raises the Earth's temperature. While the natural greenhouse effect is essential for maintaining a habitable climate, human activities have amplified it, leading to human-enhanced global warming.

Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect involves the trapping of heat by gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxides. Increased concentrations of these gases due to burning fossil fuels and deforestation cause more heat to be retained, resulting in global warming.

Greenhouse Gases: A Hazard

Key greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide (from burning fossil fuels and deforestation), methane (from agriculture and waste management), nitrous oxides (from fertilizers), and fluorinated gases (from industrial processes).

Causes of Global Warming

Major causes include greenhouse gas emissions, ozone layer depletion, and aerosols. The increase of greenhouse gases changes the radiative equilibrium, warming the Earth. Aerosols affect climate by scattering/absorbing radiation and altering cloud properties.

Global Warming: The Effects

Consequences include floods, droughts, crop failure, famines, heat waves, violent rainfall, severe storms, and rising sea levels due to melting ice and glaciers.

Effects on Living Beings

Global warming impacts human health by causing heat stress, heart diseases, and the spread of diseases. It also affects animals, forcing them to move to cooler habitats, and threatens ecosystems, potentially leading to species extinction.

Alternative Energy Sources

Using alternative energy sources like wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, and hydro power is essential to reduce global warming. These sources are clean and environmentally friendly, offering a sustainable solution.

Other Solutions

Reducing vehicle emissions through fuel-efficient cars, public transport, and cycling helps cut harmful emissions. Recycling, reforestation, and individual efforts like energy conservation also play a role. Nuclear power is a possible solution but must be used cautiously.

Conclusion

Global warming is a significant hazard requiring immediate action. Remedial steps include using renewable energy sources and stopping deforestation. Innovative solutions are needed to mitigate the impacts on humans, animals, and plants.