The causes and Effect of Global Warming

 

 The Causes and Effects of Global Warming

                            Global warming is a sustained rise in average air temperature near the earth's surface that has occurred over the past two centuries (figure 1). Climate experts have conducted comprehensive research on the various weather patterns, including temperature, rainfalls, and storms, as well as the factors that affect climate, such as ocean currents and the compositions of the atmosphere. This research illustrates that the earth's climate has undergone variations over a range of time frames and throughout its geological history and human actions particularly since the industrial revolutions are currently the primary contributors to present-day climate change. Furthermore, Global warming is the result of a composition of carbon dioxide and various air pollutants in the atmosphere. These substances absorb sunlight and solar radiation that would typically escape into space after bouncing off the Earth's surface. These pollutants can persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, effectively trapping heat and leading to a rise in the planet's temperature. These heat-trapping substances including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, waterproof water vapor, and synthetic fluorinated gases are collectively caused by greenhouse gases, greenhouse effect, and human activity.

                                                        The (figure 1) Global warming

                 Greenhouse gases are gases that possess the ability to observe heat energy in the form of infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's surface and then re-radiate it back, which causes the greenhouse effect. The most significant greenhouse gases carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor, and some other gases, such as surface-level ozone, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases, also play a role in trapping infrared radiation, although to a lesser extent. Despite constituting only, a fraction of all gases in the atmosphere, greenhouse gases have had a substantial impact on the Earth's energy balance. Throughout the earth's history, the concentrations of these gases have varied significantly driving notable climate change across various time scales. Typically, periods of high greenhouse gas concentrations coincide with warmer climates, while lower concentrations are associated with colder periods.                               

                                             figure 2 shows the net incoming solar radiation.

                 Recent global warming is primarily a result of human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (figure 3). According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). “human activities are responsible for almost all the increase in greenhouse gases and atmosphere over the last 150 years the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions from human activities in the United States is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation”. (Para. 1) That means human activities, including particularly the burning of fossil fuels since the industrial revolutions, electricity production, manufacturing goods, cutting down forests, using transportation, consuming too much, commercial, residential, and agriculture have caused continuous increases in the levels of several greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide methane, ozone, and chlorofluorocarbons. Furthermore, global warming has negative effects on people’s lives and the environment, with severe heatwaves, droughts, and floods resulting in increased suffering and deaths worldwide. Failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions may lead to over 250000 annual global deaths and push 100 million people into poverty by 2030.

                                           

                                            

Figure 3 Burning fossil fuels and creating methane and carbon dioxide.

                 Electricity power generation constitutes the second most significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 (figure4). This category encompasses emissions resulting from the generation of electricity that is subsequently utilized by other sectors such as the industry in 2021. Approximately 60% of our electricity is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels with coal and natural causes being predominant sources. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). “25% of greenhouse gas emissions was electricity in 2021” which means greenhouse gases are increased every year. However, on a global scale, slightly over 25% of electricity is generated from wind, solar, and other renewable sources. Unlike fossil fuels, these renewable releases minimal to no greenhouse gases or air pollutants. Generating electricity has many negative effects on human life because air pollution is a result of burning fossil fuels for electricity generation. It includes the emissions of hazardous substances like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. These pollutants have adverse effects on air quality, causing respiratory, issues and various health problems for communities living in proximity to power plants.

                                 (figure 4) Burning fossil fuels to produce electricity.

               The manufacturing and industrial sectors are responsible for emissions, primarily arising from the combustion of fossil fuels to generate energy to produce various items, including cement, iron, steel, electronics, plastic, clothing, and other goods (figure 5). Mining and other industrial procedures also discharge gases, and the construction industry contributes to this as well. Machinery used in the manufacturing processes is frequently powered by coal, oil, and gas, and certain materials such as plastic, are produced using chemicals driven it from fossil fuels. The manufacturing industry stands as one of the major global sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the manufacturing and industrial sectors have a significant impact on the environment and the economy. They extensively use resources like raw materials, energy, and water, potentially depleting these resources and stressing the ecosystem, leading to habitat destruction and other negative environmental effects. These industries also generate a substantial amount of waste, including hazardous materials and non-recyclable waste. Proper waste management is crucial, as mishandling can result in environmental pollution and harm. While these sectors are essential for the global economy, providing jobs and economic growth, their activities can also contribute to economic disparities and inequalities, depending on how benefits and drawbacks are distributed among different populations. 

                                     Figure 5 shows primary metals need 9% of electricity.

               Transportation, including cars, trucks, ships, and planes, predominantly relies on fossil fuels, making it a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions (figure 5). Particularly carbon dioxide. Road vehicles, powered by gasoline in the internal combustion engines, contribute the most to these emissions. However, emissions from ships and planes are also on the rise. In 2021 the transportation sector accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas emissions, with over 94% of fuel used being petroleum-based, mainly gasoline and diesel. This sector is a major contributor, responsible for nearly a quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, and there is a noticeable trend indicating increased energy consumption for transportation in the years to come. Furthermore, transportation, especially routes traffic and air travel, is a major source of noise pollution, which can have adverse effects on human health, causing stress, sleeping disturbance, and hearing problems additionally, the construction and use of transportation infrastructure like roads and airports require significant land use, leading to the distractions of the habitats and fragmentation of the ecosystem, impacting local wealth life and biodiversity. Over-reliance on a personal vehicle can lead to traffic cognitions in urban areas, resulting in a longer community, waste fuel, and reduced overall quality of life for residents. Furthermore, the air pollution resulting from transportation is associated with a range of health issues, including respiratory diseases and heart problems, which place a strain on the healthcare system and harm the well-being of the population. These concerns highlight the need to address the environmental and health consequences of transportation.

                                    Transportation sector accounted for 28% of greenhouse gas

                  Deforestation involves the removal of trees that function as a natural filter for greenhouse gases, as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the atmosphere. Furthermore, deforestation, together with agriculture and other land use changes, cause roughly a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. This can be paraphrased as the combination of deforestation, alterations in land use, and agricultural activities contributes to about 25% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions. Each year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed. Since forests absorb carbon dioxide, destroying them also limits nature’s ability to keep emissions out of the atmosphere. This can be paraphrased as annually, around 12 million hectares of forest are lost, and this destruction not only releases stored carbon dioxide but also reduces nature's capacity to absorb emissions from the atmosphere (figure 6). Moreover, Deforestation has extensive and significant implications for both the environment and human existence. It has economic repercussions, affecting sectors such as forestry, agriculture, and tourism, and involves increased expenses related to adapting to and mitigating climate change. Deforestation can have adverse effects on public health due to the emission of smoke and harmful particulate matter from fires used for land clearing. It frequently results in the displacement of indigenous communities that rely on forests for their way of life and cultural traditions. Furthermore, deforestation disrupts the critical role that forests play in capturing carbon, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the increase in CO2 levels and climate change. The destruction of natural habitats through deforestation poses a threat to biodiversity and places numerous plant and animal species in danger of extinction. Moreover, forests have a vital role in the regulation of water cycles, and their removal can lead to issues such as diminished water quality and heightened susceptibility to floods and droughts. In essence, addressing deforestation is of utmost importance to mitigate these extensive and adverse consequences and protect both the environment and human welfare.

 

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1.                                              figure 6 shows deforestation.

   

 

                Household activities, energy usage, transportation, diet, and waste disposal all play a part in generating greenhouse gas emissions. The consumption of items like clothing, electronics, and plastics also contributes to this issue (figure 7). A significant portion of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions is associated with individual households. The way of life has a substantial influence on the environment. The greatest responsibility falls on the wealthiest individual, with the top 1 percent of the global population being responsible for emitting more greenhouse gases than the poorest 50 percent. Furthermore, Household activities influence the environment and human life. It leads to the release of toxic chemicals, posing health risks, and impacting the ecosystem. Extraction of materials for these items results in a habitat distraction, disrupting wildlife and biodiversity. Consumer behavior driven by a constant demand for new products encourages consumerism and contributes to overconsumption and environmental strain. Moreover, the greenhouse gas emissions from the consumption of these items can disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, exacting everything as socioeconomic inequalities. Therefore, promoting a sustainable and responsible consumer choice is essential to meditate on this wide range of effects.

                                       figure 7 shows the consumption too much.

              

               In conclusion, human-induced global warming poses a substantial danger to the earth, driven mainly by activities such as burning fossil fuels, generating electricity, industrial processes, transportation, deforestation, and household practices the emission of greenhouse gases leads to the temperature increase and negative environmental consequences. swift action is imperative to address the impacts, including heat waves, droughts, floods, and new health concerns. A critical solution involves adopting renewable energy, sustainable approaches, and responsible consumption to protect the planet and its residents.

Work sites.

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CK. (2023, April 3). Causes and Effects of Global Warming. Causes and Effects of Global Warming | CK-12 Foundation (ck12.org)

Palmetto. (2023).  What is Global Warming? https://palmetto.com/learning-center/blog/global-warming-definition-causes-and-effectsLinks to an external site.

United States Environmental and Protection Agency. (20231). Causes of Climate Change. Causes of Climate Change | US EPA

BYJU’S. (2023). Global Warming. What Is Global Warming? - Definition, Causes & Effects (byjus.com)

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