What is Global Warming? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts

What is Global Warming?

Global warming is the term used to describe the increase in average temperature on Earth. It has to do with the Earth’s general climate rather than the weather on any given day.

History of Global Temperatures

The Earth has undergone temperature changes. Earth has even experienced several ice ages, when temperatures dropped dramatically and much of the world was covered by glaciers. Each time, the planet ends up heating up and melting the ice.

Why is Global Warming Important?

Even small changes in the planet’s average temperature can have a big impact on the environment. For example, an ice age that has occurred often causes global temperatures to drop by about 5°C.

Here are some of the things that scientists believe can happen as temperatures rise. Some of them are already underway:

Glacier Melting – Many glaciers are melting and shrinking around the world. If the temperature rises, they will continue to melt.

Sea Levels Will Rise – As glaciers melt, sea levels will rise. This can cause flooding in towns near the coast.

Animal Migration – Animals migrate to cooler places when their former habitat becomes too hot. This can upset the food chain and put some species at risk of extinction.

Extreme weather: Some scientists believe that warming will cause more powerful storms as well as more droughts and floods in different parts of the world.

Ecosystem Changes: Cold weather biomes like tundra will shrink, while desserts will continue to grow.

What causes Global Warming?

Global warming is a very complex topic. Some scientists disagree about the cause of the increase in temperature that occurred in the late 20th century. Things that could impact global warming include the planet’s natural temperature fluctuations, greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, volcanic eruptions and increased solar activity.

Natural Fluctuations

Earth’s average temperature has varied throughout history. This is partly due to natural temperature variations that occur over time due to a large number of variables. Even small changes in nutrient cycles such as the carbon cycle, oxygen cycle and water cycle have the potential to impact climate over time.

Greenhouse Gases

Sun Activity

Since all of Earth’s energy and heat comes from the sun, solar activity affects Earth’s temperature. Solar activity actually varies over time, which can change how much energy actually reaches Earth.

Volcanoes

When volcanoes erupt, they can change the temperature of the entire Earth in a short time. Indeed, their eruptions send large amounts of ash and particles into the atmosphere. This blocks some of the sun’s rays from reaching the Earth and can cause the Earth to cool. At the same time, volcanic eruptions release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

What can we do about it?

There’s not much we can do about the earth’s natural fluctuations, volcanic eruptions or solar activity, but we can influence the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere. Many of our daily activities release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, including driving and using electricity. You can help by trying to reduce the amount of electricity you use and the amount of driving you (or your parents) do. Things like carpooling to events and planting trees can help.

Carbon Footprint

Facts About Global Warming