Global Warming
The Ongoing Impact of Climate Change
Introduction to Global Warming
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Global warming refers to the ongoing
increase in global average temperature.
It is primarily caused by humans burning
fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse
gases.
Climate change includes both long-term
changes and the current rapid increase in
temperature.
Increased greenhouse gases trap heat in
Earth's lower atmosphere, leading to global
warming.
Environmental Impacts
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Deserts are expanding and heat waves and
wildfires are becoming more common.
Melting permafrost, glacial retreat, and sea
ice loss are occurring in the Arctic.
Intense storms, droughts, and weather
extremes are increasing in frequency.
Rapid environmental change is forcing
species to relocate or become extinct.
Threats to Human Health and
Safety
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Increased flooding, extreme heat, and food
and water scarcity are endangering people.
Climate change also leads to the spread of
diseases and economic loss.
Human migration and conflict can arise as a
result of climate change.
The World Health Organization recognizes
climate change as a major threat to global
health.
Current and Future Climate
Change Impacts
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Climate change impacts are already felt at
the current level of warming.
Additional warming will amplify these effects
and trigger tipping points.
Under the Paris Agreement, nations aim to
limit warming to well below 2 °C.
Achieving 1.5 °C warming requires significant
emission reductions by 2030 and net-zero
emissions by 2050.
Mitigating Climate Change
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Reducing emissions requires transitioning to
low-carbon electricity generation.
Phasing out fossil fuel power plants and
increasing renewable energy use are crucial
steps.
Energy efficiency and carbon capture from
the atmosphere are also important
strategies.
Adopting sustainable practices like
afforestation and carbon-capturing farming
can help combat climate change.
Terminology
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Climate change was previously referred to as
inadvertent climate modification.
Global warming specifically relates to
increased surface warming.
The terms climate crisis and climate
emergency highlight the urgency of the
issue.
Global heating is an alternative term to global
warming.
Observed Temperature Rise
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Multiple datasets confirm the warming of the
climate system.
The past decade experienced an average
warming of 1.09 °C compared to
pre-industrial levels.
Surface temperatures have risen by
approximately 0.2 °C per decade.
Changes in the water cycle and flora/fauna
behaviors further support warming.
Regional Variations in Warming
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Different regions warm at different rates due
to the diffusion of greenhouse gases.
Land regions have warmed almost twice as
fast as the global average surface
temperature.
The pattern is independent of greenhouse
gas emissions' location.
Understanding regional variations is crucial
for comprehensive climate change mitigation.
Future Projections and Paris
Agreement
● Current emissions reduction pledges under
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the Paris Agreement still lead to 2.7 °C
warming by the end of the century.
Limiting warming to 1.5 °C requires halving
emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero
emissions by 2050.
Stricter measures are needed to align with
the Paris Agreement's temperature goals.
Urgent action is necessary to prevent
irreversible consequences.