Global-warming is the concept which is often used interchangeably with climate change though there are many differences in their meaning. Scientists believe that the temperature flow remains balanced between heat received from the sun by the earth and heat emitted by the earth to space. The sun emits high-temperature radiations like Ultraviolet and visible radiation, and it enters to earth’s atmosphere. Based on a rough estimation for every 50 units of incoming sun radiations, 15 units are reflected to the space by clouds or any other way, and 35 units enter into the earth atmosphere in order to maintain earth’s temperature balance these 35 units radiations must be sent back to the space. According to Stefan-Boltzmann law the earth surface temperature is totally dependent on the emission of these outgoing solar radiations.
Global-warming is a phenomenon in which the average temperature of the earth surface increases. It has been estimated that the average temperature of the earth has been increased by 1.8 degree Celsius in the pre-industrial period (1850-1900) which normally increased by 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade. And 2016 tying with 2020 for warmest on record according to the NASA’s report.
Human activities are the main cause of global warming according to the national climate assessment. As a result of human activities like the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, waste disposal and other destructive activities leads to the release of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, water vapors etc.) into the atmosphere. The greenhouse gases specially CO2 of them lets sunlight enter to the atmosphere but prevents the infrared radiation emitted by the earth to escape from the earth atmosphere. The major part is contributed by Carbon dioxide of all the greenhouse gases. In addition, the ozone layer in stratosphere plays an important role in maintaining the earth average temperature that block the entrance of Ultraviolet radiations into the earth atmosphere. But increase in the concentration of these greenhouse gases in atmosphere destroy the ozone layer and deplete it which is then unable to block the entrance of UV radiations into the atmosphere. Because of which the earth average temperature increases.
Intensive farming, deforestation, burning of fossil fuels, waste disposal, mining, and overconsumption are some common human activities that leads towards greater formation of greenhouse gases (CH4, CFC’s, NOx, SO2, CO2) which release into atmosphere and cause global warming. And CO2 is the main contributor in causing global warming.
Global-warming has devastating impact on biosphere. Higher death rates, dirtier air, higher wildlife extinction rate, more acidity to the ocean water, higher sea level, floods, extreme weather, health problems, coral bleaching, more draughts, and heat waves are some prominent impacts of global warming.
Global warming can be stopped by taking some precautionary measures. One thing that should be kept in mind is that carbon dioxide is the worst enemy of climate change. Burning fossil fuels is the main source of releasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. By using less fossil fuel we can easily cut our contribution to causing global warming. Using renewable sources of energy, investing in energy-efficient appliances, reducing wastewater, using fuel-efficient cars, and shrinking our carbon profile can save us from the drastic and harsh impact of global warming.
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