GLOBAL WARMING

INTRODUCION
The continuous rise in temperature of the planet is really
upsetting. The root cause for this is global warming. Global
warming begins when sunlight reaches the Earth. The
clouds, atmospheric particles, reflective ground surfaces
and surface of oceans then sends back about 30 % of
sunlight back into the space, whilst the remaining is
absorbed by oceans, air and land. This consequently heats
up the surface of the planet and atmosphere, making life
feasible. As the Earth warms up, this solar energy is
radiated by thermal radiation and infrared rays,
propagating directly out to space thereby cooling the Earth.
However, some of the outgoing radiation is re-absorbed by
carbon dioxide, water vapours, ozone, methane and other
gases in the atmosphere and is radiated back to the surface
of Earth. These gases are commonly known as greenhouse
gases due to their heat-trapping capacity. It must be noted
that this re-absorption process is actually good as the
Earth’s average surface temperature would be very cold if
there was no existence of greenhouse gases. The dilemma
began when the concentration of greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere was artificially increased by humankind at an
alarming rate since the past two centuries. As of 2004, over
8 billion tons of carbon dioxide was pumped thermal
radiation is further hindered by increased levels of
greenhouse gases resulting in a phenomenon known as
human enhanced global warming effect. Recent
observations regarding global warming have substantiated
the theory that it is indeed a human enhanced greenhouse
effect that is causing the planet to heat up. The planet has
experienced the largest increase in surface temperature
over the last 100 years. Between 1906 and 2006, the Earth’s
average surface temperature augmented between 0.6 to
0.9 degrees Celsius, however out per year. Millions of
pounds of methane gas are generated in landfills and
agricultural decomposition of biomass and animal manure.
Nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere by various
nitrogen-based fertilizers including urea and diammonium
phosphate and other soil management utilizations. Once
released, these greenhouse gases stay in the atmosphere
for decades or even longer. According to
Greenhouse Effect
While other planets in the solar system of the Earth are
either roasting hot or bitterly cold, Earth's surface has
relatively mild, steady temperatures. Earth enjoys these
temperatures because of its atmosphere, which is the thin
layer of gases that cover and protect the planet. However,
97 % of climate scientists and researchers agree that
humans have changed the Earth's atmosphere in dramatic
ways over the past two centuries, resulting in global
warming. To understand global warming, it is first
necessary to become familiar with the greenhouse effect.
As Fig.1 depicts, the natural greenhouse effect normally
traps some portion of heat in such a way that our planet is
safe from reaching freezing temperatures while human
enhanced greenhouse effect leads to global warming. This
is due to burning of fossil fuels which increase the amount
of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and oxides
of nitrogen) present in the atmosphere [2].

Fig.1 Types of greenhouse effects [2]

The trade of incoming and outgoing radiation that heats

up the Earth is often referred to as the greenhouse effect
because a greenhouse works in a similar way (Fig.2).
Incoming ultraviolet radiation easily passes through the
glass walls of a greenhouse and is absorbed by the
plants and hard surfaces inside. Weaker infrared
radiation, however, has difficulty passing through the
glass walls and is trapped inside, therefore, warming the
greenhouse. This effect lets tropical plants prosper
inside a greenhouse, even during a cold season [2].

Fig. 2 Plants embodied in a greenhouse [3]

A similar phenomenon takes place in a car which is

parked outside on a cold sunny day. Incoming solar
radiation warms the interior of the car but outgoing
thermal radiation is trapped inside the closed windows
of the cars. This entrapment basically warms up the car.
This trapping occurs in such a way that the hot air does
not rise and does not lose energy though convention [2].
In the words of Michael Daley, an Associate Professor of
Environmental Science at Lasell College: "Gas molecules
that absorb thermal infrared radiation, and are in
significant enough quantity, can force the climate system.
These types of gas molecules are called greenhouse
gases”. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases act
like a mantle, absorbing infrared radiation and
preventing it from escaping into the outer space. The net
effect is the regular heating of the Earth's atmosphere
and surface.
The greenhouse effect, combined with increasing levels
of greenhouse gases and the resulting global warming, is
expected to have philosophical implications. If global
warming continues unrestrained and nothing effective is
done to limit this evil, it will cause significant climate
change, a rise in sea levels, extreme weather events and
other ruthless natural, environmental and social impacts
[2].
Greenhouse Gases: A Hazard
There are many greenhouse gases which are mainly
emitted by human activity. The first and foremost in the
list is carbon dioxide. Excessive burning of fossil fuels like
coal and oil is the major factor for producing this gas.
Moreover, deforestation i.e. removal of trees for acquiring
lands also causes large amount of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere. Cement manufacture also contributes carbon
dioxide to atmosphere when calcium carbonate is heated
generating lime and carbon dioxide. The second culprit gas
is methane, commonly known as natural gas. It is produced
as a result of agricultural activities such as livestock
digestion, paddy rice farming and use of manure. Methane
is also produced due to improper management of waste.
Nitrous oxides are generated mainly by fertilizers.
Moreover, fluorinated gases such as chlorofluorocarbons
(CFCs) are chiefly a result of various industrial processes
and refrigeration [5], [6]. Fig.4 shows pictorially the
distribution of greenhouse gases. These gases are playing
their negative part in increasing the havoc of global
warming. They are continuously causing an increase in the
earth’s temperature.
Fig.4 Distribution of greenhouse gases [7]
Causes of Global warming
The major cause of global warming is the greenhouse
gases. They include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous
oxides and in some cases chlorine and bromine containing
compounds. The build-up of these gases in the atmosphere
changes the radioactive equilibrium in the atmosphere.
Their overall effect is to warm the Earth’s surface and the
lower atmosphere because greenhouse gases absorb some
of the outgoing radiation of Earth and re-radiate it back
towards the surface. The net warming from 1850 to the
end of the 20th century was equivalent to nearly 2.5 W/m2
with carbon dioxide contribution about 60 % to this figure,
methane about 25 per cent, with nitrous oxides and
halocarbons providing the remainder. In 1985, Joe
Farman, of the British Antarctic Survey, published an
article showing the decrease in ozone levels over Antarctica
during the early 1980s. The response was striking: large
scale international scientific programmes were mounted
to prove that CFCs (used as aerosol propellants in
industrial cleaning fluids and in refrigeration tools) were
the cause of the problem. Even more important was
abrupt international action to curb the emissions of
CFCs.The second major cause of global warming is the
depletion of ozone layer. This happens mainly due to the
presence of chlorine containing source gases. When
ultraviolet light is present, these gases dissociate releasing
chlorine atoms which then catalyses ozone destruction.
Aerosols present in the atmosphere are also causing global
 warming by changing the climate in two different ways.
Firstly, they scatter and absorb solar and infrared radiation
and secondly, they may alter the microphysical and
chemical properties of clouds and perhaps affect their
lifetime and extent. The scattering of solar radiation acts to
cool the planet, while absorption of solar radiation by
aerosols warms the air directly instead of permitting
sunlight to be absorbed by the surface of the Earth. The
human contribution to the amount of aerosols in the
atmosphere is of various forms. For instance, dust is a by-
product of agriculture. Biomass burning generates a
mixture of organic droplets and soot particles. Many
industrial processes produce a wide diversity of aerosols
depending on what is being burned or generated in the
manufacturing process. Moreover, exhaust emissions from
various sorts of transport produce a rich mixture of
pollutants that are either aerosols from the outset or are
transformed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere to
form aerosols [8].
Global Warming: The Effects
Predicting the consequences of global warming is one of
the most difficult tasks faced by the climate researchers.
This is due to the fact that natural processes that cause
rain, snowfall, hailstorms, rise in sea levels is reliant on
many diverse factors. Moreover, it is very hard to predict
the size of emissions of greenhouse gases in the future
years as this is determined majorly through technological
advancements and political decisions. Global warming
produces many negative effects some of which are
described here. Firstly, extra water vapour which is
present in the atmosphere falls again as rain which leads
to floods in various regions of the world. When the
weather turns warmer, evaporation process from both
land and sea rises. This leads to drought in the regions
where increased evaporation process is not
compensated by increased precipitation. In some areas
of the world, this will result in crop failure and famine
particularly in areas where the temperatures are already
high. The extra water vapour content in the atmosphere
will fall again as extra rain hence causing flood. Towns
and villages which are dependent on the melting water
from snowy mountains may suffer drought and scarcity
of water supply. It is because the glaciers all over the
world are shrinking at a very rapid rate and melting of
ice appears to be faster than previously projected.
According to
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC),
about one-sixth of the total population of the world lives
in the regions which shall be affected by a decrease in
melting water. The warmer climate will likely cause
more heat waves, more violent rainfall and also
amplification in the severity of hailstorms and
thunderstorms. Rising of sea levels is the most deadly
affect of global warming, the rise in temperature is
causing the ice and glaciers to melt rapidly. This will lead
to rise of water levels in oceans, rivers and lakes that can
pilot devastation in the form of floods [6].
As evident from Fig. 5, temperature anomalies are
projected to increase in coming years. Before, the 20th
century, the situation was well under control but the
beginning of the current century, the situation started to
worsen .This was all due to increase in global warming
majorly due to the fact that new industries and power
houses started operation and emitted harmful gases
which cause the planet to heat up. This data is based on
the research carried out by different climate and
environmental research agencies.
 Fig. 5 Global warming projections by various Science and
Engineering research agencies [9]

Similarly, Fig.6 elaborates the risks and impacts of

global warming in years to come. As can be inferred
from figure, we are currently experiencing severity of
extreme climate events in the form of thunderstorms,
floods and earthquakes. This destruction will take a
sharp hike if nothing is done to stop this menace. Fig. 7
depicts global mean temperature in the recent years
according to National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA). The trend clearly puts up a
serious question for us. How will we survive on earth
given the rise in temperature to prevail?
 Fig. 6 An assessment of the relative impact and risks connected with
global warming. Five categories are assessed. The bars are color-coded to
show level of impact/concern for each factor as a function of temperature
increase [9]

Fig. 7 Recent global mean temperatures according to NASA [10]

Effects on Living Beings
Global warming can severely affect the health of living
beings. Excess heat can cause stress which may lead to
blood pressure and heart diseases. Crop failures and
famines, which are a direct consequence of heating up of
earth, can cause a decline in human body resistance to
viruses and infections. Global warming may also transfer
various diseases to other regions as people will shift
from regions of higher temperatures to regions of
comparatively lower temperatures. Warmer oceans and
other surface waters may lead to severe cholera
outbreaks and harmful infections in some types of sea
food [11].
Moreover, it is an established fact that warmer
temperatures lead to dehydration which is a major
cause of kidney stones. A medical team from
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examined the
health proceedings of more than 60,000 Americans
alongside weather records. They discovered that
individuals were most likely to be hospitalized with
kidney stones three days after a temperature rise. Since
1994, kidney stone incidence has risen from about one in
20 people to one in 11. This trend is likely to increase as
the globe gets hotter. According to Luis Ostrosky, M.D. of
the Division of Infectious Diseases at The University of
Texas Health
Science Centre at Houston Medical School and medical
director for epidemiology at Memorial Hermann-Texas
Medical Centre: “One infection that is definitely making
a weird pattern is valley fever”. In his words, “This is a
fungal infection we used to see only in California,
Arizona, New Mexico and a little in Texas, but last year
we found it for the first time in Washington State.”This
potentially deadly condition caused apprehension in
California when the number of cases increased drastically
during 2010 and 2011. Valley fever infections have been
on the rise, probably because of warming climates and
drought causing dust storms. Dry soil and wind can carry
spores that spread the virus. Hotter and drier climates
are projected to increase the amount of dusting carrying
this disease. Researchers have already noticed a rise in
mosquito- borne disease like dengue fever and malaria
due to warmer and longer summers. Perhaps the most
prominent mosquito-borne disease, West Nile Virus, has
already experienced a sharp increase in annual cases.
According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and
Prevention, the summer of 2012 was the nastiest West
Nile season on record. The likely reason was that
summer's scorching heat and drought. Lyme disease is
another dangerous disease which is transmitted mainly
through bites from certain tick species [12].
 Fig. 8 describes in the form of a block diagram that how alterations
in global climate can affect human health. The bitterest fact is that it
can cause various diseases and deprive human beings of the food.

Fig.8 Potential impacts of global climate change on human health[13]

Global warming is also affecting animals. They need to

move to cooler places in order to survive. This process has
been observed in various places, for instance, in the Alps,
in mountainous Queensland in Australia, and in the misty
forests of Costa Rica. Fish in the North Sea have been
reported to move northwards too .The impacts on species
are becoming noteworthy to such an extent that their
movements can be used as a sign of a warming world.
They are the silent witnesses of the swift changes being
inflicted on the Earth. Scientists and researchers predict
that global warming is gradually damaging the ecosystems
of various species and is playing a very unconstructive role
in making them extinct. For instance Asia’s only ape – the
orangutan – is in bottomless trouble. Its last remaining
strongholds in the rainforests of Indonesia are being
endangered by a range of pressures, including climate
change, putting the animal at the menace of extinction
within a few decades. With global warming continually
increasing the duration and frequency of droughts,
bushfires are occurring more often in these heavily logged
forests, further fragmenting the orang-utan’s living
domain. Similarly, in Africa, elephants face a series of
threats including shrinking living space, which brings them
more regularly into divergence with people. With this
reduced living space, elephants will be unable to escape
any changes to their natural habitat caused by global
warming, including more common and longer dry periods,
placing further pressure on their survival [14].
Alternative Energy Sources
The hazards caused by global warming are tremendous.
Excessive use of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and
oil play a part in it too. The usage of fossil fuels should be
discontinued immediately. The most significant solution
to put an end to this disaster is the use of alternative
energy sources. They include wind, solar, bio mass,
geothermal and hydro. The most noteworthy point in
using these sources is their clean nature. They do not
produce any sort of pollution or toxic gases that can lead
to global warming. They are environmentally friendly
and pose no threat to ecological balance. However, their
high installation and setup costs may drive energy
companies away from them at first but in the long run
they are surely beneficial for everyone. Most
importantly, fossil fuels will deplete one day and sooner
or later, we have to turn to renewable energy sources
for energy production. Thus, the eventual solution to
end global warming is to use alternative energy sources.
Fig. 9 depicts in a pictorial way that earth can be saved
from the hazards of global warming if we utilize
renewable energy sources.
 Fig. 9 Save earth from global warming by using renewable energy sources [15]

To counteract the medical hazards of global warming, it is

essential to turn to renewable energy sources. Public, in
general, should be responsible about their decisions on
energy conservation methods. This will ensure a healthy
atmosphere and stable climate for our future generations.
Governments should devise and pass policies which
encourage the energy companies and people, in general,
to use renewable energy instead of conventional energy,
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) should distribute
pamphlets to people motivating them to use alternative
sources of energy and discourage them from using fossil
fuels. They should also explain to them the hazards which
the usage of fossil fuels will cause. Many developed
countries are already generating huge amounts of power
using renewable. These countries should extend their
helping hand to developing countries to combat the evil of
global warming collectively. Using renewable energy is the
most effective way to curtain the emission of gases which
play a major role in global warming.
 Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 show that the use of renewables is gradually increasing. The
figure should be much more than present so that we can tackle the problem of
global warming timely and effectively.

Fig. 10 World fuel consumption in recent years [16]

Fig .11 Projected world energy mix in 2030 [17]

Other Solutions
As elaborated earlier, toxic emissions are a major cause of
global warming, A likely solution to reduce harmful
emissions is to cut the usage of vehicles which produce
them. This has not been met with much success as many
people refuse to cut down their practice of using cars. No
doubt, some people have started to use bicycles and public
transport, whereas some other prefer to walk but these
numbers are relatively small. It should be noted that fuel
economy and emission rates are chief factors to consider
regarding the car choice. Hybrid cars have higher efficiency
and lower emission rates. Keeping the tires inflated will
help improve mileage and air filters should be frequently
replaced to cut down harmful emissions. People should
share the ride with friends or coworkers to reduce the total
number of vehicles on the road. Print and social media can
play an effective role in curbing the problem. It should use
the philosophy of automobile advertisements to encourage
drivers to conserve energy and reduce pollution.
Awareness campaigns can be started using placards,
posters and logos similar to shown in Figures 12-14. They
are a very useful way to demonstrate that global warming is
not good for the planet. Recycling is also a good way to
reduce global warming. People should use rechargeable
batteries instead of disposable ones. Quality products
should be bought that have a long life. Shopping should be
done from local markets which reduce transportation. Even
small individual efforts like lowering the thermostats in
winter and using compact fluorescent lamps instead of
incandescent lamps can aid to address the issue of global
warming. Reforestation schemes must be started to grow a
large number of trees. Forest degradation and
deforestation must be discouraged at government level.
Nuclear power is also a possible solution as this power
results in fewer emissions but this method should be used
with care as it can lead to severe accidents therefore, the
major hurdle is to overcome the security, propagation,
waste disposal and high costs of nuclear power if this
method has to be made practical [1].

Fig. 12 shows symbolically how global warming is causing the earth to

melt [18]
Fig. 13 showing a symbolic representation to stop global warming
[19]

Fig. 14 depicting that how human beings are destroying the earth
for their own benefits [20]
Impact On India
Global warming poses a multifaceted threat to India,
impacting its environment, economy, and public health
with far-reaching consequences. As one of the countries
most vulnerable to climate change, India faces unique
challenges due to its diverse geography, vast
population, and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors
such as agriculture, water resources, and fisheries.
Rising global temperatures are altering weather
patterns, intensifying natural disasters, and creating
new health risks, all of which jeopardize the country's
development goals.
One of the most immediate impacts of global warming
in India is the increase in average temperatures.
Heatwaves have become more frequent and severe,
particularly in northern and central regions. Cities like
Delhi and Ahemdabad have recorded unprecedented
temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, making
outdoor labor dangerous and increasing energy demand
for cooling. This not only affects productivity but also
strains the power grid, leading to outages during peak
demand periods. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat
poses serious health risks, including heat exhaustion
and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations
like the elderly and outdoor workers.
The agricultural sector, which employs nearly 58% of
India’s workforce and contributes significantly to its
GDP, is highly susceptible to climate change. The
monsoon season, crucial for irrigation, has become
increasingly unpredictable, with variations in the timing
and intensity of rainfall. Farmers often face either
excessive rainfall leading to flooding or insufficient
rainfall resulting in droughts. For instance, the 2015
drought in Maharashtra significantly affected cotton
and soy production, causing distress among farmers
and leading to economic losses. The variability in
monsoon patterns threatens food security, as staple
crops like wheat and rice are impacted, putting pressure
on the livelihoods of millions of farmers and
exacerbating rural poverty.

Additionally, the melting of Himalayan glaciers, which

feed many of India’s major rivers, presents a long-term
challenge. While initial melting may lead to increased
water flow and temporary benefits for agriculture and
hydropower, the long-term consequences are
concerning. As glaciers continue to recede, water
availability for millions in northern India will decline,
creating competition for scarce resources. This will not
only impact irrigation but also drinking water supplies
for urban and rural populations alike. The Ganges,
Yamuna, and Brahmaputra rivers are already
experiencing reduced flow during critical periods,
threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on
these water bodies.
Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to the impacts
of global warming. Rising sea levels pose a significant
threat to cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata,
which are home to millions of people. Increased flooding
from storms and high tides can lead to loss of property,
displacement, and damage to infrastructure. The 2013
Uttarakhand floods serve as a stark reminder of the
potential devastation caused by extreme weather
events, highlighting the need for improved disaster
preparedness and urban planning. As coastal erosion
accelerates, traditional livelihoods like fishing will also
be jeopardized, further compounding economic
challenges for coastal communities.
Air quality is another critical concern exacerbated by
global warming. Rising temperatures can worsen air
pollution, particularly in urban areas, leading to
increased respiratory diseases and other health issues.
The combination of high temperatures and pollution
creates a public health crisis, with millions suffering
from chronic conditions like asthma and other
respiratory illnesses. Vulnerable groups, including
children and the elderly, are disproportionately
affected, placing additional strain on India’s healthcare
system.
The socio-economic divide in India further complicates
the response to climate change. Marginalized
communities, including small holder farmers, urban
slum dwellers, and tribal populations, often lack the
resources to adapt to changing conditions. This
inequality exacerbates vulnerabilities and limits access
to technology, information, and financial resources
needed for resilience-building. Without targeted policies
that address these disparities, the impacts of global
warming will continue to deepen, hindering sustainable
development efforts.
In response to these challenges, India must adopt
comprehensive and inclusive climate policies. This
includes investing in renewable energy sources,
promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and
enhancing disaster preparedness. Efforts to improve
water management, such as rainwater harvesting and
efficient irrigation systems, are crucial for ensuring
water security. Furthermore, raising awareness and
building local capacities will empower communities to
adapt to the changing climate effectively.
Impact On World
Global warming is one of the most pressing challenges
facing the world today, with far reaching implications for
the environment, economies, and human health. The
increase in global temperatures, primarily driven by
greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, is
causing significant changes to weather patterns, rising sea
levels, and the degradation of ecosystems. These changes
threaten food security, water resources, and biodiversity,
while also exacerbating social inequalities and economic
vulnerabilities.
One of the most immediate impacts of global warming is
the increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme
weather events. Regions across the globe are experiencing
more severe heat waves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
For instance, the summer of 2021 saw devastating floods
in Germany and Belgium, resulting in significant loss of life
and property. Similarly, wildfires have ravaged parts of
Australia, California, and the Mediterranean, fueled by
rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells. These
extreme events not only lead to immediate devastation but
also have long-term economic impacts, costing billions in
recovery and infrastructure repair while displacing
communities.
Rising sea levels, driven by the melting of polar ice caps
and glaciers, pose a significant threat to coastal regions.
Low-lying countries such as Bangladesh and island nations
like the Maldives face the prospect of becoming
uninhabitable as their land is swallowed by rising waters.
Coastal cities like New York, Miami, and Jakarta are
increasingly vulnerable to flooding, which can disrupt
transportation, damage property, and displace populations.
This encroachment threatens not only livelihoods but also
the cultural heritage of communities that have lived in
these areas for generations.
The impact on agriculture is another major concern. Global
warming disrupts traditional farming practices by altering
rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of pests and
diseases. Regions that rely heavily on agriculture, such as
sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, may face
severe food shortages as crop yields decline. The projected
rise in temperatures could render some areas unsuitable
for farming altogether, exacerbating food insecurity and
malnutrition. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC), millions of people could be at risk
of hunger due to the compounded effects of climate
change on food systems.
Water resources are increasingly strained as global
temperatures rise. Changes in precipitation patterns lead
to water scarcity in many regions, affecting both drinking
water supplies and agricultural irrigation. This situation is
particularly dire in arid and semi-arid regions, where over-
extraction of groundwater has already reached critical
levels. Conflicts over water resources are likely to escalate
as competition increases, particularly in regions where
water is already scarce. The impact of global warming
extends to human health as well. Higher temperatures can
lead to increased heat-related illnesses and mortality,
particularly among vulnerable populations such as the
elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Additionally, climate change facilitates the spread of
vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as
changing climates create more favorable conditions for
disease carrying insects. Air quality is also adversely
affected; rising temperatures can exacerbate air pollution,
leading to respiratory illnesses and other health
complications.
Biodiversity is under significant threat due to climate
change, as many species struggle to adapt to rapidly
changing environments. Ecosystems such as coral reefs are
particularly vulnerable; increased ocean temperatures and
acidification have led to widespread coral bleaching,
threatening marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of
communities dependent on fishing and tourism. Terrestrial
ecosystems also face disruption, as shifting climates alter
habitats and migration patterns, leading to potential
extinction for many species.
Addressing global warming requires a coordinated
international response, as its impacts transcend national
borders. Countries must work together to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions through policies that promote
renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable
practices. Adaptation strategies, such as investing in
resilient infrastructure, enhancing water management,
and developing sustainable agricultural practices, are
essential to mitigate the effects of climate change on
vulnerable communities.
In conclusion, global warming is a multifaceted crisis with
profound implications for the planet and its inhabitants. Its
impacts are interlinked, affecting weather patterns, food
security, water resources, human health, and biodiversity.
Urgent action is needed at local, national, and
international levels to mitigate these effects and build a
sustainable future for all. Failure to act decisively will not
only threaten the well-being of current populations but
also jeopardize the prospects of future generations.
CONCLUSION
Global warming, largely a consequence of human activities
such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial practices, is having a profound and far-reaching
impact on our planet. The consequences of rising global
temperatures are evident across various spheres, including
environmental, social, economic, and health dimensions.
Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing
effective strategies to mitigate climate change and adapt
to its unavoidable effects.
One of the most alarming effects of global warming is the
increase in extreme weather events. The frequency and
intensity of heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts
are on the rise, resulting in significant damage to
communities and infrastructure. For instance, heatwaves
have become more common, leading to increased
mortality rates, especially among vulnerable populations
such as the elderly. Similarly, hurricanes are intensifying,
with warmer ocean waters providing more energy for these
storms, resulting in catastrophic flooding and destruction in
coastal regions. These extreme weather events not only
cause immediate harm but also have long-term
consequences, including displacement of populations and
loss of livelihoods.
Another significant impact of global warming is the
alteration of ecosystems and biodiversity. As temperatures
rise, many species are struggling to adapt to changing
conditions. Some may face extinction if they cannot
migrate to more suitable habitats or adjust to the new
climate. This loss of biodiversity disrupts ecosystems and
the services they provide, such as pollination, water
purification, and carbon sequestration. Coral reefs, which
are particularly sensitive to temperature changes, are
experiencing widespread bleaching due to rising sea
temperatures, jeopardizing marine biodiversity and the
livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing and
tourism.
Agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of
climate change. Shifts in weather patterns can lead to
reduced crop yields, threatening food security globally. For
example, droughts can devastate harvests, while excessive
rainfall can cause flooding and soil erosion. Regions that
depend heavily on agriculture, especially in developing
countries, are at a heightened risk. This situation may
exacerbate existing inequalities, as wealthier nations might
better withstand food shortages, while poorer nations
could face severe hunger and economic instability.
Human health is another area where the impacts of global
warming are becoming increasingly evident. Higher
temperatures contribute to heat-related illnesses and
exacerbate respiratory problems due to increased air
pollution. Additionally, climate change facilitates the
spread of infectious diseases, as vectors like mosquitoes
expand their range into previously unaffected regions.
Vulnerable populations, particularly those
in low-income countries with limited healthcare access,
face the greatest risks, making it imperative to address
health disparities as part of climate change strategies.
The economic ramifications of global warming are
staggering and multifaceted. The costs associated with
climate change—stemming from disaster recovery,
infrastructure repair, and healthcare expenditures—can
strain national and local budgets. Insurance companies are
already responding to the increased frequency of climate-
related disasters by raising premiums or withdrawing
coverage in high-risk areas, which can lead to financial
instability for homeowners and businesses. Moreover,
industries reliant on stable climate conditions, such as
agriculture, fisheries, and tourism, face increasing
uncertainty, which can hinder economic growth and job
creation.
Global warming also poses geopolitical challenges. As
resources become scarcer due to climate change,
competition over water, arable land, and energy could
lead to conflicts both within and between nations. Regions
that are already politically unstable may see exacerbated
tensions, potentially leading to increased migration and
humanitarian crises.
In conclusion, the impact of global warming on our world
is profound, multifaceted, and urgent. It affects the
environment, ecosystems, economies, and human health
in ways that are interlinked and complex. Addressing this
global crisis requires immediate, concerted efforts at all
levels—from individual actions to international
agreements. Mitigation strategies, such as reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable
energy, must be prioritized. Additionally, adaptation
measures to safeguard vulnerable communities and
ecosystems are essential to build resilience against the
inevitable impacts of climate change. Without swift and
comprehensive action, the consequences of global
warming will only escalate, threatening the stability and
sustainability of life on Earth as we know it. The future of
our planet hinges on our ability to confront this challenge
collectively and effectively.
Steps Should Be Taken:
1. Plan and take shorter trips to the market, parks, and
malls by combining outings on a more weekly basis.
2. Turn the thermostats up more in the summer and down
more in the winter to save more energy.
3. Wear more clothes at night when you go to sleep if you
need to stay warmer. Socks really help.
4. Reduce as much water-waste as you can. Do less dish
loads, wash loads, lawn and plant watering. Take shorter
showers.
5. Try to save, store and eat all the food you buy. Freeze
foods if possible. Consume more easy on the environment
foods like rice, bean and wheat. They are all cheap,
healthy and environmentally-friendly EAT LESS MEAT!
Meat, especially beef is creating a climate crisis over the
world. Our underground aquifers are being drained and
will
never be replaced.
6. Purchase more efficient lighting bulbs like LED’s. Recycle
the old wasteful incandescent.
7. Drive more fuel-efficient vehicles with greater mileages.
Diesels, Electrics.
8. Upgrade
solar.
your home with more renewable energies, like
9. Invest in as much weatherization as you can afford.
If you can afford it, upgrade to the most
10. ENERGY STAR energy-efficient appliances
TABLE OF CONTENT:
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 1
Greenhouse Effect ...................................................................... 2
Greenhouse Gases: A Hazard ..................................................... 4
Causes of Global warming .......................................................... 5
Global Warming: The Effects ...................................................... 6
Effects on Living Beings .............................................................. 9
Alternative Energy Sources ....................................................... 11
Other Solutions ......................................................................... 13
Impact On India ....................................................................... 15
Impact On World ...................................................................... 17
CONCLUSION ............................................................................ 19