Global Warming

GLOBAL WARMING

Introduction
The term "global warming" refers to the rise in global average temperatures brought on by the greenhouse effect. When sunlight heats the earth's surface, certain gases in the atmosphere function like glass in a greenhouse, trapping the heat as it radiates back into space. Earth's temperature rises as a result of the atmospheric buildup of greenhouse gases. A rapid shift in climate, commonly known as climate change, is being caused by this process. The quality of the Earth's environment has significantly declined as society has grown. Climate change is one of the biggest dangers to the health of the world. Some of the main causes of the planet's deteriorating state include inadequate study and careless abuse of natural resources.

Climate Change

Climate is the average weather in a place over many years. Climate change is a shift in those average conditions. The rapid climate change we are now seeing is caused by humans using oil, gas and coal for their homes, factories and transport. When these fossil fuels burn, they release greenhouse gases - mostly carbon dioxide (CO2). These gases trap the Sun's heat and cause the planet's temperature to rise.

Global Warming

A common perception of climate change's effects is global warming. The significant rise in temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, known as global warming, is posing a number of threats to human life. We currently have to deal with the severe effects of global warming on our environment. Global warming is escalating as a result of rapid industrialisation, rising population, and pollution. The average temperature of the earth's surface has risen during the past century, which is referred to as global warming. The fact that global warming affects the planet's general ecology is one of the reasons it is harmful. Floods, starvation, cyclones, and other problems are the outcome of this. The existence of life on earth is in risk due to the multiple causes and effects of this warming. Numerous natural occurrences worldwide that are influencing all living species are already a sign of global warming.
The following information can aid in providing a more precise picture of the reality of global warming in recent years:

1. The global temperature has increased by 1.5°C on average since the beginning of the industrial revolution in the late 1700s. Although it might not seem like much to you, that amount is only an estimate. This figure is only rising. The health of the earth as a whole is impacted by much more extreme temperature changes in many places of the world.
2. The world's CO2 emissions peaked in 1950 at 6 billion tonnes then tripled to 22 billion tonnes in 1990, just 40 years later. Additionally, unregulated CO2 emissions have now surpassed a staggering 35 billion tonnes.
   

Causes of Global Warming

Global Warming is the increase of average world as a result of what is known as the greenhouse effect. One of the main greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide (CO2).As trees grow they take in CO2 from the air. When the wood dies the CO2 is returned to the air. Forest clearance and wood burning (such as happens in tropical rain forests) is increasing the latter half of the process, adding to the CO2 in the atmosphere. Televisions, lights and computers use electricity that is created mainly from burning oil and coal. This is why saving energy by doing simple things like turning off the lights helps to reduce pollution. Cars are also major sources of CO2.

World Health Organisation Report

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that climate change is responsible for at least 150,000 deaths per year, a number that is expected to double by 2030. The effects of global warming will cause dire health consequences:

• Infectious diseases. IPCC predicts that global warming will worsen human health conditions, especially in tropical regions. In places like Africa, an increase in temperature signifies an increase in mosquito populations, thus escalating the risk of malaria, dengue and other insect-borne infections.
• Heatwaves. Prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures can have serious health effects on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and the sick.
• Loss of agricultural productivity.Global warming can result in droughts that can worsen living conditions, particularly in Africa.
• Asthma and other respiratory diseases.People suffering from heart problems are more vulnerable to increased temperatures, especially those living in already warm areas, as their cardiovascular system must work harder to keep their body cool.

Role of India in the global efforts towards mitigating climate change

India’s future role in the global efforts towards mitigating climate change can be seen from the following points

• In 2007, then Indian Prime Minister Singh pledged that India’s per capita emissions would never exceed those of the developed world. Meeting this pledge does not require any emissions reductions compared to current policy projections up to 2030.
• Despite the negative trend in the power sector due to coal, India’s Paris Agreement target is within the range of what is considered to be a “2°C compatible” fair share of the global effort. Further, India could become a global climate leader with a “1.5 ̊C compatible” rating if it abandons plans to build new coal-fired power plants.
• The Government is in the process of implementing carbon pricing mechanisms to encourage energy efficiency in industry. A pilot system for small to medium enterprises is expected soon. This can form the basis for global carbon pricing mechanism.
• The government is also attempting to harness the potential of off-grid solar PV pumps to not only provide reliable electricity for pump sets, but also to provide additional income generation opportunities for farmers.
• India has said that it will finalise its long-term plan strategies for development that result in lower levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. India also said that it will increase its climate pledges, or nationally determined contributions (NDCs), under the Paris Agreement.
• The Indian Government is considering long-term growth strategies over the period 2030–2045 that would result in a decoupling of carbon emissions from economic growth.

Conclusion

Humanity has experienced many problems as a result of global warming, yet it is we humans who are to blame. Disease and natural disasters have caused a lot of deaths. Additionally, it has an impact on the nation's economy. But instead of raising the temperature of the world, we need to minimise global warming by using less fuel, recycling, and human intervention. Because the next generation would suffer if we do not minimise global warming, our generation ought to start caring for the environment. As a result, global warming is now a severe problem.