So what is global warming?
Global warming is the increase in average temperature of the Earth’s land and oceanic surface. Although global warming has been around for years, keeping the earth’s temperature above freezing levels, enhanced global warming is causing the earth to be much warmer than usual. Some scientists argue that global warming is a natural process due to natural events like variations in solar radiation that the earth receives. However, recent studies (with the help of advanced technologies) have shown that global warming is indeed caused by men’s actions. A recent study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change showed that “increased global temperatures in the 20th century are caused by the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gases.” Simply said, Men’s actions have increased the amount of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) which traps outgoing terrestrial radiation and causes an increase in the earth’s temperature. Though these gases have increased slightly in the atmosphere, their capability to trap heat is very significant. Global warming brings about both positive and negative impacts to our environment. It is the negative impacts that scientists are more worried about.
I will cover the negative impacts in other articles soon. Do stay tuned.