What is Global Warming?

Global warming and the greenhouse effect are both environmental terms that every climate activist should at least know a little about. Understanding what is happening in our environment is critical if you want to take action on a larger level. It is also helpful to know why your individual actions have the power to make systematic change, as well as inspire others. Global warming is one the root causes for modern day climate change. which is why it is becoming a frequent topic of discussion in the media and politics. Human activities aren’t the only thing that changes Earth’s climate; solar wind, and Earth’s position to the sun all can cause global warming and affect weather.

This article will go over global warming in a nutshell. It can be a complex topic to fully understand, but having a basic understanding of it will help you understand the initiatives currently happening in the climate movement. The bottom of the article has more resources if you want to explore this topic a little deeper. This is meant to be a broad overview, and a quick read!

Global Warming Overview

Global warming is a term used to describe the rapidly rising temperatures around the globe. Greenhouse gases are the main contribution to global warming. They trap the heat from the sun, increasing the surface and air temperature. Global warming doesn’t only cause an increase in temperature, it also causes more frequent snowstorms and cold snaps. There are ten greenhouse gases in total, and only water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide are naturally occurring.

The greenhouse effect is a natural system we have on Earth that works to warm the environment to inhabitable temperatures. When the sun’s energy reaches Earth, some of it is bounced back into space and some is absorbed and emitted back into Earth by greenhouse gases. This was a system that has worked throughout the timeline of this planet, however humans have altered this greenhouse effect by emitting record-breaking amounts of greenhouse gases into the environment. This is causing more and more heat to be redirected back to Earth, instead of reflecting back into space. Hence, the global warming.

I could write a 3-page blog about the science behind global warming, so instead I have linked an amazing (and short) video that explains what global warming and the greenhouse effect are! If you can spare a minute and a half, I highly recommend watching.

Greenhouse Gases

Fossil fuels are the top producer of greenhouse gases today. Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil releases water vapor, carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), ozone and nitrous oxide (N2O). These are the primary greenhouse gases. CO2 and methane are the two most common greenhouse gases that are emitted today. Human activities like power generation, deforestation, landfills, industrial operations and the raising of livestock are the key players in large percentages of these emissions.

Natural events can also cause large emissions of greenhouse gases to be emitted. Volcanic eruptions and permafrost melting release large amounts of carbon dioxide, sulfur, and methane. Earth had a “checks and balances” system when it comes to carbon emissions, with the emissions from decomposing plant matter and mammals being either sent into the atmosphere or absorbed into the ocean. Now with humans creating extremely high levels of greenhouse gases, there is an imbalance in what is absorbed here on Earth, what is reflected back into space, and what traps heat on Earth’s surface.

Extreme weather events have been happening for decades around the world, and recently have begun happening more frequently in larger developed countries. The main difference now is simply the amount of mainstream discussion and news coverage of extreme weather in developed countries like Europe, the United States and China and Japan. Rising temperatures and sea levels, hurricanes, typhoons, droughts, and more will be something that current and future generations will have to deal with every year. Our health will also take a hit due to global warming. Allergies and asthma will increase world-wide due to environments Climates are rapidly changing, on a quicker timeline than any other previous mass extinction. Most plants and animals are not able to adapt at the same speed the climate is changing due to global warming. It is scary to have to realize how our future is going to look, but it is critical that we are all informed to the best of our abilities. This will allow us to unite and take collective action towards making systematic change that secures a healthy, safe, and equal future for all.

Global Warming Quick Facts

While reading an article by NASA, I came across these quick facts about global warming.

The most recent stats from NASA are:

• Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are 417 ppm in 2021, their highest levels in 650,000 years.
• Average global temperature is up 1.18 degrees F (3.4 degrees C) since 1880.
• The minimum expanse of Arctic summer sea ice has declined 13% per decade since satellite measurements began, in 1979.
• Land ice has declined at the poles by 428 gigatons a year since 2002.
• Global sea level has risen 7 inches (176 millimeters) in the past century.

As you can see, we are seeing rapid change in our climate that is only slightly comparable to previous mass extinctions. While we are obviously not in a mass extinction right now, we are changing the climate faster than it ever has in the timeline of Earth.

Climate refuges

Entire communities are already being displaced and killed by climate disasters every year. Coastal areas world-wide have lost large percentages of their mangroves and other vegetation that protects the land from wave damage, erosion, flooding, and the salinization of the soil. Communities are being forced to relocate from their homes, with no other choice due to environmental hazards. Droughts and flooding are causing famine, killing wildlife, and vegetation. In fact, 1.2 billion people at least are expected to be displaced by global warming effects by 2050.

Developed countries have an enormous responsibility to fund climate change mitigation measures in less-developed areas, as well as open borders to climate refuges. These areas being hit hard by extreme weather events tend to be the lowest greenhouse gas contributors, and the countries most responsible for climate change have historically turned a blind eye.

To support protecting and helping climate refuges, sign this petition and donate to the Environmental Justice Foundation.

The United State’ Responsibility

As mentioned above, the United States has an obligation to make systematic changes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, curb waste, and create a more equitable future. As individuals, we must use our voice to push our government towards recognizing, addressing, and funding climate change and all it’s effects.

Luckily, a slow shift in large consumer sectors like automobiles and construction towards using sustainable and regenerative building materials. Energy use reduction, fuel efficiency, and the ability to self-sustain are all factors that are seriously being taken into consideration in more and more places. Large companies are making pledges to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in the next 10-20 years. One of the positive actions that President Biden has taken was recommitting the United States to the Paris Climate Agreement. It is incredibly important for nations to come together and create a long-term solution for working towards stabilizing our future as a whole.

Over the next month, I will be creating an action plan for lobbying to your local government to take a stand. This article will be updated with the link as soon as it is completed. If you have any suggestions for resources or organizations that are currently doing this work, please reach out to me on the Contact page.

Sources:

https://www.livescience.com/37003-global-warming.html

https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/what-is-climate-change

https://www.nrdc.org/stories/global-warming-101

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/global-warming-overview

If you are wanting to learn more about this topic, I highly recommend these articles. They explain this complex topic in detail, but in a way that is accessible to everyone.