Global Warming and Climate Change Notes

Global Warming & Climate Change

Definitions

  • Global Warming: The long-term increase in Earth's average temperature caused by human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels.
  • Climate Change: Significant alterations in temperature, precipitation, snowfall, or wind patterns that persist for decades or longer. This encompasses global warming in addition to other changes.

The Greenhouse Effect

  • The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat.
  • These gases allow sunlight to enter but impede the escape of some heat, functioning like a blanket surrounding the Earth.
  • Human actions are amplifying this effect, resulting in increased warming.

Common Greenhouse Gases

  • Here are five significant greenhouse gases:
    1. Carbon Dioxide (CO_2)
    2. Methane (CH_4)
    3. Nitrous Oxide (N_2O)
    4. Water Vapour (H_2O)
    5. Ozone (O_3)

Effects of Global Warming on Islands like St. Lucia

  1. Rising sea levels:
    • Potential to inundate coastal regions and inflict damage upon infrastructure.
  2. More hurricanes:
    • Intensified storms leading to widespread devastation.
  3. Coral bleaching:
    • Elevated water temperatures detrimental to coral reefs.
  4. Changes in rainfall:
    • Possible droughts or floods, negatively impacting agricultural yields and potable water reserves.