• Global warming is the long-term average increase in the Earth’s surface temperature due to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants.
• The effects of global warming include rising sea levels, extreme weather events, droughts and flooding, reduced biodiversity, and a range of human health impacts.
• To combat global warming, countries must reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases by transitioning to renewable energy sources and investing in green technologies.
What Is Global Warming?
Global warming is the long-term average increase in the Earth’s surface temperature due to increased levels of carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants. This process is caused by the buildup of heat-trapping gases from burning fossil fuels such as coal and oil, leading to an overall rise in temperatures. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that global temperatures could rise between 1.5°C and 4°C over pre-industrial levels by 2100 if no further action is taken to reduce emissions.
Effects Of Global Warming
The effects of global warming are wide ranging and potentially catastrophic for both humans and the environment. These effects include rising sea levels caused by melting ice caps, extreme weather events such as storms or floods, droughts which can lead to food insecurity or famine, reduced biodiversity due to changes in animal habitats, increases in air pollution leading to health problems like asthma or lung cancer, and more frequent natural disasters such as hurricanes or wildfires.
Combating Global Warming
To combat global warming it is essential that countries reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases by transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as solar power or wind power. Governments must also invest heavily in green technologies such as electric vehicles or sustainable agriculture practices which can help reduce emissions while still providing economic benefits for communities. In addition, individuals can take steps on their own to reduce their carbon footprint by making lifestyle changes like reducing meat consumption or using reusable bags instead of plastic ones when shopping.
International Efforts To Combat Global Warming
In 2015 world leaders gathered in Paris at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) where they agreed on a plan called the Paris Agreement which sets out a framework for reducing emissions worldwide over time. The agreement aims to hold global temperature rises below 2°C above pre-industrial levels with an ambition of keeping them even lower at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels if possible. All signatories have since committed themselves to taking steps towards meeting these goals but some countries have been slow in doing so meaning there is still much work left before these targets can be achieved.
Conclusion
Global warming poses a significant threat to both humans and nature alike but through international cooperation we can limit its impacts if we act quickly enough. Countries must invest heavily into green technologies while also transitioning away from fossil fuels in order for us all collectively make a difference before it’s too late!