Vocabulary Gems (hover over them for meanings):
Table of Contents
Introduction
The consequences of rising temperatures are becoming more tangible as time travels. These consequences are caused by Global Warming, which is creating a deadly threat to all wildlife and humans. First, let's understand Global Warming concepts to understand what truly is Global Warming and how we can prevent it.
Greenhouse Effect
Just based on the name, the greenhouse effect is based on how a greenhouse works. A greenhouse is a building built with glass for plants to grow as it warms and conserves the heat for plants and the air inside during all seasons. This is because of the glass walls that trap the Sun’s heat.
Transitioning onto Earth, gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) trap heat like a greenhouse glass roof. Heat-trapping gases are called greenhouse gases because they behave like heat trapped in a greenhouse. According to NASA, some heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Some of the trapped heat is responsible for keeping the Earth warm at night typically around 58 degrees Fahrenheit (or 14 degrees Celsius.) Ines Gendre, a content manager at Greenly (a carbon accounting company that teaches people how to reduce their carbon footprints), says without the greenhouse effect, the temperature on the Earth would be hovering around -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celsius. Because of the greenhouse effect, the temperature is typically around 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
The anthropogenic greenhouse effect is another greenhouse effect, but it is caused by humans through fossil fuels such as
- Coal
- Gas
- oil
The anthropogenic greenhouse effect is the main reason of Global Warming. This is because Earth can’t absorb an abundance of greenhouse gases.
What are some examples that cause Global Warming
Deforestation
Deforestation is one of the major contributing factors to Global Warming that is closely related to agriculture, construction, and urbanization. Cutting down trees for agriculture, construction, or urbanization, reduces the amount of emissions absorbed by trees, thus increasing the temperature around the globe and leading to more negative consequences. In fact, according to the World Resources Institute, deforestation is connected with 155 Mha of tree cover loss. To prevent further deforestation, many organizations and reforestation projects like the Green Belt Movement and Team Trees have planted millions of trees for more greenhouse gas absorption, especially Carbon Dioxide.
Fossil Fuels
Since the Industrial Revolution, humans have begun exploiting and consuming lots of coal, with natural gas and oil constantly and continuously increasing. Energy production (electricity generation and heating) and transportation through cars, planes, and boats are also large factors of Global Warming.
Intensive animal farming
Livestock farming produces greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) when animals digest their food. Greenhouse gases are released during livestock farmining when forests are cleared to produce crops for animals, agricultural machinery powered through fossil fuels, and an abundance of freshwater is used to hydrate animals and water crops. The Food and Agriculture Organization roughly estimates that 83% of the world’s land is utilized for livestock.
How Can We Stop Global Warming?
Global Warming can't be fully stopped, however it can be slowed down. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists organization, scientists have reported that we must reach "net zero" carbon emissisions by 2050 or sooner. By "net zero", the author means no more carbon is polluted into the atmosphere than is taken out. Otherwise, the worst consequences of climate change will appear, such as severe droughts.
But, you and many others can slow it down by a variety of things. For example:
- Saving energy at home. Much of our electricity are supplied by coal, oil and gas.
- Switching from gas-powered vehicles to electric vehicles..
- Walk, bike, or take public transport.
- Consider your travel routes.
- Throw away less foods
