Global Warming Fact

Global warming is heating up the earth’s surface over land and water. But some regions are more critically affected than others. One such region is the Himalayan region of central Asia. This region is a huge permanent desert of snow that feeds life-giving rivers of several countries. Several recent studies have shown how global warming is affecting the Himalayas and why much greater efforts are required to stop global warming.  Continue Reading…

Global warming refers to the continuous rise in the temperature of the earth’s surface. If unchecked the effects of global warming will be devastating like inundation of coastal areas by rising sea levels and turning fertile areas into barren lands because of climatic changes. Hence it is imperative to stop global warming. However before solutions to global warming can be formulated it is essential to understand the causes of global warming.

Global warming is caused by a number of gases, known as greenhouse gases, which are accumulating in the earth’s atmosphere and trapping the solar radiation reflected from the earth. Predominant among these gases is carbon dioxide, but there are others like methane and nitrous oxide. These are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity. The article will now explore some of the significant activities that are contributing to the increase in greenhouse gases and therefore global warming. Continue Reading…

Global warming is the persistent increase in the temperature of the surface of the earth. It is caused by the release of what are called greenhouse gases as a result of human activity. These gases stay in the atmosphere and trap the solar radiation causing global warming. The most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide which is released when fossil fuels are burnt.The effects of global warming are disastrous and the governments of all countries are jointly and severally seized of this critical issue. Various solutions are being pursued to stop global warming. However the only path that has begun to show results is a scheme known as carbon emissions trading. This scheme is well under way in the United States of America and the European Union and other governments are pushing hard to implement it as well. Each manufacturer is set a quota on how much carbon dioxide it can release into the atmosphere. The quota depends on a number of factors such as products manufactured, manufacturing capacity and technology used. Then the emissions of each manufacturer are measured. Manufacturers who are more efficient release less carbon dioxide than their quota and therefore are able to sell the balance. Manufacturers who are less efficient release more carbon dioxide than their quota and are compelled to buy the unused quota of the efficient manufacturers. These quotas are sold competitively on exchanges not unlike the stock exchanges. There are brokers who shop around and buy the quotas cheap and make a packet on selling the quotas to companies who are desperate to buy. Continue Reading…

Global warming is the consistent rise in the temperature of the earth’s surface, both land and water. Certain gases, notably carbon dioxide, trap solar radiation and reflect it back to the earth. This is the main cause of global warming. These gases are released as a result of human activity, which if anything is likely to increase in the coming years. This is why global warming has become a cause for concern.

The only solution to global warming is to reduce the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This means a curtailment of human activity. In practical terms it means catching the bus to work instead of driving, haute couture styles lasting for two years instead of changing every six months and no traveling long distance for exotic vacations. In short solving the global warming problem will end conspicuous consumption and spell doom to suppliers of goods and services. This is something that is unacceptable to people who cannot see the day after tomorrow, let alone fifty years down the line. Continue Reading…

Global warming refers to the increasing average temperature of the earth’s and the ocean’s surface. This temperature has increased by 0.75 degrees Celsius over the last century and is expected to rise at a faster pace in the future. It may seem that this increase in temperature is insignificant and therefore the fuss about global warming is unfounded. However a sustained rise in temperatures can have very serious consequences.

One of the most touted effects of global warming is the rise in sea levels. From 1000 BCE to 1900 CE the average rise in sea level was 0.15 millimeters per year. From 1900 onwards the average rise in sea level was 1.5 millimeters per year. Presently the sea level is rising at 3 millimeters per year. Global warming causes the sea level to rise for two reasons. Higher sea temperatures cause the oceans to expand and the levels to rise. Also higher temperatures cause increased melting of ice, particularly at the poles, and therefore the sea levels to rise. Even the short-term effects of this are worrisome. Cities like London and New Orleans are already requiring storm surge defenses. The Polynesian island of Tuvalu is fast losing land area. In the long-term there would be severe inundation of coastal areas leading to a loss of habitation, agriculture and major changes in land and water quality. This is why it is essential to stop global warming. Continue Reading…

Before taking a look at the history of global warming it is essential to understand what is global warming. The average temperature of the air just above the earth’s surface and the temperature of the oceans has been steadily increasing and is expected to continue to do so. This phenomenon is known as global warming. In quantitative terms the average temperature increase over the last hundred years is 0.75 oC. Over the next hundred years the increase could be as high as 6 oC if steps are not taken to stop global warming.Global warming first came to the notice of scientists in the 1800s. In 1824, the French mathematician Fourier discovered the rising temperature of the earth’s surface and postulated the first theory of global warming. According to him the cause of global warming was the trapping of solar radiation by the earth’s atmosphere. This trapped radiation was reflected back to the earth causing the earth’s temperatures to rise. Fourier’s theory was developed by other scientists, the most notable being the Nobel Prize winner Arrhenius. In the late 19th century Arrhenius postulated that it was the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that was responsible for trapping the solar radiation. He coined the term “greenhouse effect” for this – a term that is often used in conjunction with global warming. Continue Reading…