Global warming and climate change are severely affecting lives on Earth. The main contributor to global warming is carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. First, fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas) account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
How Carbon Dioxide Affects Climate
The presence of carbon dioxide trapped in the atmosphere increases the planet’s temperature. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas. In this category of greenhouse gases, we also have:
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrous oxide (N2O)
- Industrial gases, such as Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs), Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3)
Are you aware that around 90% of all carbon dioxide originates from burning fossil fuels?
Negative Effects of Global Warming and Climate Change
Global warming and climate change have dire consequences on the planet. Some of the ravaging effects we are experiencing are:
1. Devastating Storms and Floods
As temperatures increase, more moisture evaporates into the atmosphere. Eventually, this results in severe rainfall and floods. We are witnessing unpredicted inland flash floods and coastal flooding.
2. Shrinking Glaciers and Rising Sea Levels
Global warming affects the snow cover on our mountains by melting it down. That means more water flows to the streams and ends up in the ocean. It is the reason why the sea levels are rising and that causes coastal flooding.
3. Severe Weather Patterns
There is enough evidence of unfavorable changes in weather patterns around the globe. The imbalanced nature is witnessed in:
- Severe heat waves
- Catastrophic rainfall
- Droughts
4. Threats on Marine Life
The oceans are warming up and becoming more acidic. Unfortunately, this scenario endangers the lives of our marine species. Any slight change in water’s pH can kill fish and other marine organisms.
5. Loss of Species
Climate change is a threat to both land and marine species. In fact, species are disappearing at an alarming rate. It is sad to know that the population of tigers is declining fast due to the destruction of their habitats. If we destroy jungles with forest fires and replace them with deserts, where will tigers live?
The loss of species is caused by:
- Displacement
- Forest fires
- Extreme weather
- Pest invasion
- Diseases
All these factors connect to climate change. For instance, extreme temperatures start wildfires.
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How to Reverse Global Warming and Climate Change
Humanity owes this planet a lot! Ultimately, we need to protect our environment by adopting new ways of doing things. We can promote a favorable climate by practicing the following:
- Discouraging the production and use of fossil fuels
- Strengthening water conservation programs
- Putting adequate preparation to manage storms and floods
- Planting trees to remove carbon dioxide from the air
Read more about the importance of trees…
Conclusion
One of the most sustainable solutions to counter global warming and climate change is to embrace renewable energy. Effectively, eco-friendly sources of energy like solar and wind can benefit us in many ways. The only problem is the weather is not the same everywhere, though sunlight and wind are available on most parts of the Earth’s surface.
Managing our population can also help us avoid fighting over limited resources. What’s more, overpopulation leads to unemployment, poverty, diseases, crime, deforestation, and many problems.
Why do we cut down trees?
There is an increased demand for fuel and timber, and that destroys our planet.