Important Topic of Chemistry: Global Warming

Important Topic of Chemistry: “global warming” refers to “a steady increase in the earth’s temperature induced by the greenhouse effect produced by growing quantities of carbon dioxide, CFCs, and other pollutants.”

The phenomenon of global warming is the steady increase in temperature near the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been seen during the last century or two. This alteration has disrupted the earth’s climate pattern. However, the notion of global warming is extremely contentious, yet scientists have presented pertinent facts to support the fact that the earth’s temperature is continually rising.

There are various causes of global warming, all of which are harmful to humans, plants, and animals. These factors might be natural or the result of human activity. It is critical to understand the harmful effects of global warming to address the challenges.

Causes of Global Warming:

Natural Causes of Global Warming

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  Permafrost Melting

Permafrost exists where glaciers exist. It is frozen soil that has been trapping environmental gases for numerous years. As permafrost melts, gases are released back into the atmosphere, raising the earth’s temperature.

• Forest Fires

Forest blazes, often known as forest fires, produce a tremendous volume of carbon-containing smoke. These gases are released into the atmosphere and raise the temperature of the Earth, resulting in global warming.

• Volcanoes

Volcanoes are one of the most significant natural sources of global warming. The ash and smoke released by volcanic eruptions enter the atmosphere and influence the climate.

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  Vaporized Water

Water vapour is classified as a greenhouse gas. As the earth’s temperature rises, more water evaporates from bodies of water and remains in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

Man-made causes of global warming:

• Chlorofluorocarbon

Humans have been releasing CFCs into the environment through the excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators, which hurts the ozone layer. The ozone layer shields the earth’s surface from the sun’s damaging UV radiation. Using CFCs has resulted in ozone layer depletion, allowing UV light to enter the atmosphere and raise global temperatures.

• Industrial Advancement

Since the beginning of industrialisation, the Earth’s temperature has been rapidly rising. The hazardous pollutants from factories contribute to the planet’s rising temperature. Industries emit various greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). These gases absorb solar thermal radiation, raising the global temperature and contributing to global warming.

Industries and factories release various environmental pollutants, including land, air, and water. Industrial pollution is believed to be the cause of almost half of all pollution. It shows how companies and manufacturers are to blame for releasing harmful and hazardous compounds into the environment. Uncontrolled disposal of sewage and other liquid wastes originating from home water usage, industrial wastes containing a range of contaminants, agricultural effluents from animal husbandry and irrigation water drainage, and urban runoff are all common causes of soil pollution, which eventually lead to global warming.

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  Agriculture

Various agricultural practices emit carbon dioxide and methane gas. These contribute to the number of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and rising global warming temperatures .

• Overpopulation

As the population grows, so will the number of persons breathing. This raises the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is the major cause of global warming.

• Deforestation

Plants are the primary source of oxygen on the planet. They absorb CO2 and emit oxygen, so preserving environmental equilibrium. Forests are being degraded for a variety of household and economic reasons. This has resulted in an environmental imbalance contributing to global warming.

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  Vehicle Utilization

The operation of a vehicle, even for a short distance, produces a variety of gaseous pollutants. Vehicles run on fossil fuels, which emit a lot of carbon dioxide and other poisons into the atmosphere, causing the temperature to rise.

Effects of Global Warming:

The following are the key consequences of global warming:

• Temperature Increase

As a result of global warming, the earth’s temperature has risen substantially. This has increased glacier melting, which has increased the sea level. This might have severe effects on coastal communities.

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  Threats to the Environment

Global warming has harmed coral reefs, possibly resulting in plant and animals extinction. Rising global temperatures have exacerbated the deterioration of coral reefs.

• High Rates of Mortality

The average death toll frequently rises when floods, tsunamis, and other natural disasters become more common. Furthermore, such incidents might result in the spread of illnesses that can endanger human life.

• Natural Habitat Depletion

As a result of global climate change, many plants and animals are losing their homes. In this circumstance, the creatures must leave their native home, and many become extinct. This is another significant effect of global warming on biodiversity.

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  Changes in the Climate

Climate change has resulted from global warming. Some places experience drought, while others experience flooding. The cause of this climatic mismatch is global warming.

• Disease Transmission

As a result of global warming, heat and humidity patterns change. As a result, mosquitos, which transmit and spread diseases, have spread.

Consequently, global warming is a genuine occurrence that is occurring right now. Several factors cause this problem, and the repercussions may be seen both socially and environmentally. If we do not take the required measures and act immediately, the issue will only deteriorate in the future. One should be aware of the implications and make certain that they are not contributing to them.

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FAQs

What consequences does global warming have on marine life?

Warmer temperatures have resulted in the growth of underwater deserts, which is already having an impact on marine life. As a result, marine species numbers have declined, and food networks have been disrupted. Coral reefs, in particular, are being devastated by rising ocean temperatures and acidity due to global warming. It is feared that if global warming continues unabated, there will be a catastrophic extinction of marine species.

How can you put a stop to global warming?

Among the primary remedies is energy efficiency, putting a high price on carbon, vehicle fuel economy, the use of biofuels derived from organic waste, and the conservation of more and more trees.

What exactly do you mean when you say ocean acidification?

When the acidity of the seas rises as a result of increased levels of contaminated air circulation. It's referred to as ocean acidification. It has a significant impact on marine life.