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.