Posted on June 26, 2007 in Latest News
Global warming is nothing but a gradual rise in the Earth’s temperature due to a number of factors. The Earth undergoes a series of cold and warm periods. The current global warming began 18000 years ago and transformed vast masses of desert and glaciers in to a warm and hospitable environment conducive to life. The period from the 1400 to 1860 was a mini Ice Age, though temperatures dropped just a few degrees. Today the Earth is in a warm cycle similar to the one between the years 1000 to1300. There has been a rapid rise in the Earth’s temperature over the past decade and unless we curtail the pollution and gas emissions, global temperatures are bound to rise by one to nine degrees over the next century.
Causes of global warming
- Astronomical causes like sunspot activity, the earth’s tilt and its elliptical orbit around the sun are responsible for changes in global climate.
- A rise in the concentration of green house gases in the atmosphere leads to greater heat retention.
- Shifting landmasses result in changes in ocean currents, leading to polar ice caps near landmasses.
- There is greater solar reflection due to ice caps, volcanic activity and white clouds.
- Burning of fossil fuels like coal is the single largest contributor of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Pollution by an increasing number of vehicles and cars is another cause of increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This carbon dioxide traps more of the solar energy, causing the earth to heat up.
- Increased industrial activity is another source of global warming.
- More forestlands are cut for agriculture and this deforestation releases greater amount of green house gases in the atmosphere, leading to global warming.
Consequences of global warming
- Global warming leads to melting of the polar ice caps, resulting in a rise in ocean levels. This can flood many low-lying islands in to extinction.
- Warmer oceans result in stronger hurricanes.
- There are widespread climate changes resulting in warmer summers and harsher winters.
- It can result in extensive droughts and floods.
- It can change the ecosystem, threatening several wildlife species.
- It can cause diseases like cancer and allergies and result in genetic modification in people residing in the affected areas.
- There is a rise in mosquito-related diseases that pose a challenge to public health.
Hence there is a great need to adopt cleaner fuels and less polluting technologies that will not harm the environment. Man must curtail consumption of fossil fuels and use alternate sources of energy like solar and wind energy. There is a pressing need to devote more funds and resources to develop fuel efficient technologies and to enforce laws curtailing emission by manufacturing industries. Industry and governments around the world must increase awareness about the need for energy efficiency and the harmful consequences of global warming. Such a combined effort alone can help control global warming.
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