Definition of Global Warming

Posted on June 25, 2007 in About Global Warming

Global warming is a phenomenon that has taken place in the distant past as the result of natural effect, but in the modern context, this term refers to the warming predicted to occur due to increased emissions of greenhouse gases.

Detailed explanation of the term global warming
By definition, the green house effect is synonymous with global warming. It is said to be the main factor accountable for changes in global weather patterns due to the release of greenhouse gases. Scientists agree the earth temperature has risen 1 degree Fahrenheit (or 0.6ºC approx.) in the past 140 years, but the probable causes are an issue forever open for debate. Though this increase in global temperatures has been gradual, it has literally put the heat on the Earth’s atmosphere at an alarming rate through the gases given off. These contributors to global warming are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxides, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halocarbons (the replacements for CFCs). The main causes for carbon dioxide emissions are the use of fossil fuels for energy. However, scientists also attribute climatic changes as key elements responsible for global warming: frequent droughts, new hurricane patterns, melting of glaciers are some factors occurring more frequently in many regions of the globe now, as compared to those recorded in the last century.

The definition of Global Warning – a hot topic of debate!
There are many arguments for global warning and the classification of the term, and equally numerous are the causes attributed to its occurrence. It is generally accepted that the definition of global warming is related to the gradual increase in the earth’s surface temperature but scientists are divided on the causes of it; some believe it to be due to natural reasons while other groups hold human activity responsible for the greenhouse effect-leading to global warming.

Technical definition for global warming
The technical term for global warming is Anthropogenic global warming. Those holding a greenhouse gas, like CO2, accountable for this burning issue, theorize that it is the emissions of such gases that trap the sun’s heat, resulting in the intensity of raised levels of the earth’s atmospheric temperature.

The Human perspective towards global warming
The human perception would give a different definition of global warming, holding emissions of Carbon Dioxide from cars and power plants being given off into the atmosphere, responsible. As the case stands today, the U.S. Government has taken a conscientious position today and their Energy Act of 2005 mentions the President establishing a Committee on Climate Change Technology, which will submit to the Secretary and the President a national strategy to promote the deployment and commercialization of greenhouse gas intensity reducing technologies and practices. This is an overview that is unanimously being encouraged and promoted by leaders the world over, as global warming is a phenomenon that is increasingly becoming a cause of concern for health and the development of the human race.

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