Global Warming

We explain what global warming is, what its causes and consequences are. Also, its characteristics and how to reverse the damage.

What is global warming?

global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth caused by an environmental imbalance. It is a phenomenon produced by the excessive actions of human beings, caused by practices such as the abuse of natural resources and excess waste that contaminate and interrupt the natural development of the ecosystem.

This phenomenon has been studied from the pre-industrial period onwards, starting in 1900, and an increase in the average temperature of the planet was detected that It continues to rise and at an increasingly accelerated rate, especially since the 1980s..

The main cause of global warming is the imbalance in the greenhouse effect due to the increase in polluting gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are released into the atmosphere indiscriminately.

The greenhouse effect is called the process in which part of the Sun’s energy that reaches the Earth is reflected and returned to space, while another part is absorbed by the gases in the atmosphere that conserve it in the form of heat and do not allow it to escape. go back to space. In this way, through the gases in the atmosphere, the average temperature of the planet that is suitable for life is maintained.

The greenhouse effect is a natural process. Its imbalance is caused by the intensity of man’s activity which, through the exploitation of natural resources and the elimination of waste, causes a saturation of polluting gases in the atmosphere that destabilize its natural order.

The greater the release of polluting gases into the atmosphere, the greater the retention of solar energy, which is why the intensity of the heat increases.

Global warming should not be confused with climate change, which is the alteration of the meteorological conditions that characterize each climatic season. Climate change is one of the consequences of global warming of the planet. There are different causes and effects that trigger the same problem: the indiscriminate actions of the human species.

Features of global warming

Global warming is characterized by:

• The increase in the average temperature of the planet due to the accumulation of polluting gases in the atmosphere. Currently, it exceeded the tolerable limit levels.
• The consequences it triggers, such as the greenhouse effect and climate change.
• Mostly, the damage it causes is irreversiblesuch as the extinction of animal and plant species due to the alteration of their habitat.
• The imbalance of ecosystems caused by the indiscriminate activity of the human species.
• Human abuse of natural resources which causes the lack of protection of soils, air and water pollution and the extinction of non-renewable resources.

Causes of global warming

The factors that contribute to global warming are diverse, among the main ones are:

• The indiscriminate felling of trees. Forests perform various vital functions to maintain the balance of the ecosystem. One of the main ones is that they absorb gases that cause the greenhouse effect, such as carbon dioxide, and release oxygen. By exterminating more and more forests and increasing the polluting gases released into the atmosphere, the problem becomes more acute. Forests also protect soils in cases of natural overflow of water channels, floods or intense rains. Trees retain water, helping the soil not to erode. The falling leaves protect the soil from intense heat, which is another factor that can alter the soil’s nutrients and also serve as organic matter that decomposes and allows it to be nourished.
• Monoculture type agriculture. Native plantations maintain the balance of flora and fauna. On the other hand, massive agricultural production systems destroy the flora, fauna and nutrients in the soil. Monoculture consists of vast areas of land destined to grow a single plant species. The seed of that vegetable is genetically manipulated to tolerate climatic conditions and fertilizers or poisons that are then sprayed on the crop to exterminate possible pests. Nitrous oxide is a gas derived from fertilizers that is polluting, both for the soil and the atmosphere, and alters the greenhouse effect. Monoculture is carried out systematically, without allowing the soil to rest and recompose after harvesting, which which destroys nutrients in the soil. As a consequence, the native flora is altered, causing the disappearance of populations or even plant and animal species that no longer have their native food.
• The increase in methane gas released into the atmosphere. The various natural sources of methane gas, such as the decomposition of organic matter and animal manure, contribute to the balance of the greenhouse effect. However, human activity through the extraction of fossil fuels such as oil, monoculture agriculture such as rice, and the large concentration of animals for livestock exploitation release immeasurable quantities of methane gas. Currently, the industry agricultural-livestock farming is recognized as one of the most polluting due to methane gas emissions and waste in waterways. Furthermore, it involves the exploitation of non-renewable natural resources, such as water and fertile soils, vital for the entire world population.
• The production and consumption system. Factories and industries require a large amount of raw materials that, in many cases, come from non-renewable natural resources. During the manufacturing process, gases and waste that are highly polluting are usually released into the air or water, impacting the environment and all the beings that inhabit it. Not only is the manufacturing process highly polluting. Once the final products are generated, a new polluting circuit begins: with the transportation of the products, their presentation in various points of sale and, once purchased and consumed by people, their packaging and packaging accessories are discarded, instead of be recycled. These envelopes can last for centuries on the planet before disintegrating.
• Burning fossil fuels. Fuels, such as coal, gasoline and compressed natural gas, come from the extraction of oil, a non-renewable natural resource that took millions of years to form. Both the extraction of oil and its transfer and subsequent treatment in derivatives generate pollution. During the drilling, extraction and transfer of oil processes, accidental or negligent spills can occur, which are highly polluting. Furthermore, the combustion of petroleum products releases various gases, such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, which increase the greenhouse effect and pollute the rest of the environment. This type of combustion is what is generated by automobiles, airplanes, ships and other means of transportation, in addition to various industries and factories during their manufacturing process.
• The lack of environmental conservation. Conservation and promotion of environmental care is a vital issue that must be addressed in the public policies of all nations and in formal education. By educating about the importance of awareness in the care of natural resources, especially non-renewable ones, and the dimension of the impact that human actions have, we can adopt customs that are less harmful to the environment. This is a moral, legal, political and, mainly, vital issue for all living beings on the planet. Without the balance of ecosystems, human beings cannot live, although the planet will continue to exist, in another way. Human beings are another member of planet Earth and need all biodiversity for their existence.

Consequences of global warming

Among the main consequences of global warming are:

• The greenhouse effect. It is an increase in polluting gases that are released into the atmosphere and that are capable of retaining solar energy to generate heat. The greater the concentration of gases, the greater the retention of solar energy and the greater the heat.
• Climate change. It is the alteration of weather patterns that usually define regional climates. The increase in temperatures affects the vegetation and the animals that depend on it; it evaporates a greater concentration of water, causing droughts and, at the same time, more intense rains or floods due to the increase in water vapor in the hydrological cycle.
• The melting of glaciers. The large masses of ice help maintain the average temperature of the planet. Global warming causes an increase in ocean temperatures that accelerates the melting of glaciers. As a consequence, large floods are generated caused by the rise in sea level and water vapor that is released into the atmosphere and triggers more intense rains.
• Air pollution. It is the presence of toxic gases that, in too much concentration, become harmful to the air that living beings breathe. In addition to polluting the air, the water vapor that is then condensed and returned to the earth in the form of rain also concentrates polluting substances that end up impacting the soil and bodies of water.
• The extinction of animal and plant species. The accelerated alteration of the balance of soil, air and water or the annihilation of populations leads to an imbalance in which the biosphere is altered. The conditions are no longer suitable for native vegetation, so the animals no longer have food sources and, because these changes are so intense and rapid, they do not give enough time for many of the species to adapt, so they become extinct.

How to reverse the damage caused?

Although much of the damage caused as a consequence of global warming is irreversible, there is still much to do and conserve in order to restore the balance of the biosphere or, at least, there are many things that can be stopped doing to avoid continue damaging the planet.

Both from environmental policies around the world and from the actions of each person in their daily lives, all of this is necessary to stop the increase in global warming and its serious consequences.

Among the main positive impact actions that everyone can put into practice, the following stand out:

• Wear low consumption light bulbs.
• Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use, like the cell phone charger that continues to consume energy.
• Reduce and moderate the use of heaters and air conditioners.
• Use the public transport or bicycle instead of the car.
• Moderate water use always, whether when washing dishes, hands or taking a shower.
• Separate garbage in organic materials for compost and in inorganic materials or waste that can be recycled.
• Reduce the use of plastic bags by biodegradable or reusable materials, such as washable cloth bags.
• Reduce meat consumption and derived from plant foods.
• Research and know where the products come from of consumption and how they were made. Choose alternatives that do not include toxic components or that endanger natural resources.
• Implement oil-free energy and industrial policies and its derivatives, that are replaced by renewable and clean energy sources.

There is an increasing human population that brings with it a greater demand to supply its level of consumption and with a smaller amount of finite natural resources and biodiversity.

The paradigm shift is essential and urgent to reverse this problem. Fortunately, there is no single solution, but rather there are as many actions that can be taken to improve and achieve a new balance for life on the planet as there are people in the world.

References

• “Overview: weather, global warming and climate change” at https://climate.nasa.gov/
• “Global warming” at https://www.britannica.com/
• “Global warming” at https://www.nationalgeographic.org/
• “Are the effects of global warming really that harmful?” at https://www.nrdc.org/
• “Global warming” at https://www.responsibilidadsocial.net/
• “Due to global warming, trees grow faster but die sooner” at https://www.conicet.gov.ar/
• “Rice: more efficient batches emit less methane” at https://intainforma.inta.gob.ar