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Global Warming
Global Warming is the century-scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere due to an increase in the greenhouse effect. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels or from deforestation trap heat that would otherwise escape from Earth. This warming is causing climate patterns to change.
11,528 Questions
What is the natural greenhouse effect is and how do humans enhance it?
Naturally occurring greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide keep the world's average temperature at a comfortable temperature suitable for human existence. Throughout human history until the start of the Industrial Age, the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide has remained in the range 260-280 parts per million (ppm), falling during the Ice Ages, but never going above 280 ppm.
Since the Industrial Revolution the concentration has risen by 35 per cent to 380 ppm and is now rising alarmingly fast. This, along with higher concentrations of methane gas, is leading to an enhanced greenhouse effect. The result of this is global warming and climate change.
Why does China get to increase CO2 under Kyoto?
China and other developing nations get a pass on reducing their CO2 emissions. Kyoto limits are only goals for each country and those countries who agreed to limit their CO2 output in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol can purchase the rest of their CO2 generation needs from each other.
The participants in the Kyoto meetings recognised that developing countries would not be able to move out of poverty and develop strong economies if they could never increase their CO2 emissions. China is now the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide in aggregate, but its per head emissions are still low. Along with other developing countries, China is permitted to increase its carbon dioxide emissions.
Why are all CO2 observations from experts in the 1800's ignored?
Chemical observations by thousands of science experts from the 1800's through the early 1900's derived our average CO2 values to be between 330 and 470 ppm. (see link below for peer reviewed paper stating 90,000 such cases). They show highs in certain years of over 440 ppm as early as 1880 and 1940.
Today we have alternative methods to determine CO2 levels that simply were unavailable then. They show a rise, for the past several decades, of CO2 up to 391 ppm (during summer months) in some areas. This indicates that CO2 levels have risen for the past several years.
To create an issue such as man induced global warming, we must have a trigger mechanism. Carbon Dioxide is a very large byproduct of the modern era. To make a valid case, historically measured levels would need to be ignored.
If we use these same methods to determine CO2 levels today, we would agree that world averages were 390 ppm or so. There is no other valid explanation to ignore this data.
AnswerThere were occasional, snapshot observations of carbon dioxide levels taken earlier in the nineteenth century, some giving readings well above present levels and even well over 500 ppm, but these were all taken in or close to highly polluting urban areas such as central Paris, and were influenced by local factors and wind directions. No serious climate scientist could use these observations to estimate global concentrations of carbon dioxide, especially in the face of more reliable data.The late Ernst Beck, a biology teacher at the Merian technical grammar school in Freiburg and co-founder of the European Institute for Climate and Energy (EIKE) set out to read meaning into the CO2 measurements taken early in the nineteenth century. Climate experts consider his work to contain major flaws, such that the conclusions are completely wrong. Ralph Keeling, a Professor and the Principal Investigator for the Atmospheric Oxygen Research Group at SIO, calls Beck's paper pseudo-science and says it contains serious conceptual oversights that would have been spotted by any reasonably qualified reviewer. Thus, there actually was a well-intentioned attempt to consider those early CO2 readings from the 1800s, but these were readings of heavily polluted air and never had relevance to global warming and climate change.
The first serious research conducted on the effect of changes in CO2 levels was in 1896, when Arrhenius completed a laborious numerical computation which suggested that cutting the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by half could lower the temperature in Europe some 4-5°C (roughly 7-9°F) - that is, to an ice age level. Arrhenius made a calculation for doubling the CO2 in the atmosphere, and estimated it would raise the Earth's temperature some 5-6°C (averaged over all zones of latitude). His calculations did not take into account the effect of the oceans in ameliorating the effect of rising carbon dioxide levels, and in any case Arrhenius and other researchers were only interested in explaining the Ice Ages. No one seriously believed that global warming was coming. After much criticism, the work of Arrhenius was ignored by the scientific community.
Subsequent work has shown that the temperature rise up to 1940 was, as his critics thought, mainly caused by some kind of natural cyclical effect, not by the still relatively low CO2 emissions. It was not until the 1970s that scientists began to take the possibility of global warming seriously and began to accept at least the principles of Arrhenius' research.
What are climate changes linked to?
Climate changes are linked to human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat from the sun, leading to global warming and resulting in changes to weather patterns, sea levels, and ecological systems.
What are green peace concerned about?
Greenpeace is concerned about various environmental issues, including climate change, wildlife conservation, deforestation, marine pollution, and the use of fossil fuels. They work to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and promote sustainability to protect the planet for future generations.
What environmental impact does tidal energy have?
Tidal energy has a relatively low environmental impact compared to other sources of energy. It does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollutants during operation. However, tidal energy devices can disrupt marine ecosystems, affect sediment transport, and potentially harm marine life if not properly planned and managed.
What climate changes have occurred in your area?
More rain, less snow. Less snow in winter has affected the region's winter skiing economy and also curtailed other winter sports and activities. More precipitation in the form of strings of torrential rainstorms causes flooding, wind damage, more lightning and hail. Huge uprooted trees are a common feature of storms. Microbursts that appear suddenly and cause extensive damage to a relatively compact area have become more common.
Downed power lines are a problem after almost every storm and that triggers higher utility rates as companies spend millions more annually on repair and clean up. Increased homeowner's insurance claims from severe storm damage have resulted in punitory increases in premiums. We have more heat waves and worse air quality. We have increased tornado activity.
Historically in Massachusetts, the height of the fall foliage season has passed by late October. Now we have had a moderate foliage season and many trees are bare and the colors have faded. There are still many trees that are still green and have all their leaves intact. Outdoor plants are still standing. All characteristic of milder temperatures.
What alternative energy source would be expected to be the least dependent upon the weather?
Nuclear energy is the alternative energy source that is least dependent upon the weather. Unlike solar or wind power, nuclear power generation is not affected by weather conditions such as sunlight or wind.
How long has the trouble between Savon and his parents been going on and what started it?
The conflict between Savon and his parents has been ongoing for about two years. It started when Savon dropped out of college against his parents' wishes to pursue a career in music. This decision strained their relationship and led to continued disagreements.
Who started the global warming epidemic and when?
This started in the eighteenth century with the beginning of the Industrial Age, although at first the changes were so slight that scientists were unaware of them.
Around the beginning of the twentieth century, Svante Arrhenius calculated that emissions from human industry might someday bring a global warming, but other scientists dismissed his idea as faulty. In 1938, G.S. Callendar stated that the level of carbon dioxide was climbing and raising global temperature, but most scientists found his conclusions implausible - scientists tend to have a bias against novel theories until the evidence is undeniable. It was only in the early 1960s, when C.D. Keeling measured the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and found that it was rising fast that researchers began to take an interest. We now know that average global temperatures are indeed rising, and that global warming is associated with the increased levels of carbon dioxide produced by human activity.
What causes the heavy rains that Mumbai experiences during a monsoon?
Mumbai experiences heavy rains during the monsoon due to the presence of the monsoon winds, which bring moist air from the Arabian Sea. When this moist air rises and cools, it condenses to form clouds and eventually leads to heavy rainfall. Topographical factors like the Western Ghats also play a role in enhancing rainfall in the region.
What are three ways carbon is released back to the atmosphere?
- Through the respiration of living organisms, as they release carbon dioxide when they exhale.
- Combustion of fossil fuels, such as burning coal, oil, and natural gas, releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
- Deforestation and land-use changes can also release carbon stored in trees and soil back into the atmosphere.
What is the probable reason for the increase of carbon dioxide?
Our burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) in industry, transport and the generation of electricity is more than the probable reason. Scientists agree that it, and deforestation, is the definite reason for the increase of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere.
Can plants absorb the excess carbon in the atmosphere?
What is meant by having global vision why it is important?
Having a global vision means having an understanding and awareness of issues and opportunities that transcend borders and cultures. It is important because it helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions that take into account the interconnectedness of the world and the impact of their actions on a global scale. It also enables better collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in a rapidly changing global environment.
What are the differences between ozone depletion greenhouse effect and acid rain pollution?
Ozone depletion is specifically the reduction in levels of the ozone gas in the upper atmosphere, and results from the use of CFC gases, which are no longer permitted to be manufactured for industrial use. The world's ozone layer is gradually recovering, although there is also a natural, seasonal cycle of depletion and recovery. The risk of ozone depletion was that too much ultraviolet radiation would reach the earth's surface, resulting in high levels of skin cancer.
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenom by which greenhouse gases keep the earth at a comfortable level suitable for human existence. This occurs when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are around their long-term level of 260 to 280 parts per million (ppm). The enhanced greenhouse effect, which is what we usually mean when we just talk about the greenhouse effect, results when atmospheric carbon dioxide levels rise, as they have done to the present level of over 380 ppm. This results in global warming and therefore climate change. This will result in widespread species extinction, coastal inundation and, in the longer term, great economic loss.
Industrial processes can result in slightly acidic rain as a result of high levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very far in the wind and become part of the rain, sleet, snow, and fog that we experience on certain days. Acid rain can cause health problems, damage to crops and damage to buildings and infrastructure.
How has the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere changed over the earths history?
Five Ga (five billion years ago)
- The earth's atmosphere, like other planets', was largely hydrogen and helium, very light gases which soon escaped the gravity of the earth.
- The atmosphere then consisted of methane, ammonia, water vapour, and small percentages of nitrogen and carbon dioxide.
- Volcanic activity started to increase levels of carbon dioxide.
- The high temperatures of the molten surface of the earth began reducing methane levels as it combined with water vapour to form carbon monoxide and hydrogen.
- The molten surface cooled, water vapour condensed and millions of years' rainfall filled up the oceans.
- Rain removed ammonia and sulphur from the air, making new minerals.
- Nitrogen 75%, carbon dioxide 15%.
- Organisms began using photosynthesis to remove carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
- Carbon dioxide was replaced by oxygen, so with nitrogen and oxygen, the atmosphere was becoming more like it is today.
- The cooling earth stabilised the volcanoes and methane and carbon dioxide levels were greatly reduced.
- Oxygen atoms in the upper atmosphere struck by ultraviolet radiation became the ozone layer.
- Most of the animals appeared and the earth was covered with dense vegetation.
- Oxygen was 30% of the atmosphere.
- 251 million years ago a mass-extinction event occurred (probably millions of years of volcanic eruptions in Siberia). Oxygen levels went from 30% to 12%, and carbon dioxide reached about 2000 ppm.
- By 228 million years ago oxygen had climbed back to 15% and dinosaurs appeared.
- For the past 100 million years earth's atmosphere has been much the same as today, Nitrogen 78%, Oxygen 21% and tiny amounts of Argon, Carbon dioxide and Neon.
- Since the start of the Industrial Revolution in 1750, we have been burning fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) to provide the energy to power machinery. This combustion has been generating large quantities of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
- For the past 2000 years carbon dioxide levels have been around 280 ppm (parts per million). They are now 400 ppm or 0.04%.
- The average temperature of the North Pole is now -20C (-4F), but 200 million years ago, when carbon dioxide levels were 2000 ppm, temperatures at the North Pole averaged 23°C (73.4°F).
- Scientists believe that the high levels of greenhouse gases are causing global warming. If the ice in Greenland and Antarctica melts, then many coastal cities will become flooded.
What is produced as the result of unequal warming of the earth?
The differing air temperatures cause the winds.
What is the main objective of greenhouse effect?
The main objective of the greenhouse effect is to keep the earth warm. It has been doing this successfully for millions of years. Unfortunately we have caused an enhanced (or accelerated) greenhouse effect which is causing global warming.
How does lookism affect people?
Lookism can lead to discrimination and bias based on physical appearance, impacting self-esteem, mental health, and opportunities for individuals. It can create pressure to conform to certain beauty standards, leading to body image issues and low self-confidence. Lookism can also contribute to societal inequalities and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.
What is the chemical equation for climate change?
There is no single chemical equation for climate change because it is a complex process involving multiple chemical reactions and interactions in the atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere. However, the main factor contributing to climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) in the atmosphere, leading to a more efficient trapping of heat and resulting in global warming.
How do clouds increase or decrease global warming since they trap heat but they also reflect heat?
Clouds do reflect incoming sunlight back into space, as well as retain heat in the lower atmosphere. High clouds tend to have more of a warming effect because it is easier for solar radiation to pass through them, and also because the temperature at which they emit infrared radiation (heat) back to space is much less due to their cold temperature. Conversely, low clouds tend to be optically thick and reflect more solar radiation back to space, causing more of a cooling effect. They also emit more infrared radiation upward because they're emitting at a warmer temperature lower in the atmosphere, further adding to their cooling effect.
However, scientists are not yet certain whether the net effect globally is cooling or warming.
Is there more carbon dioxide in air or your breath?
After you breathe air IN, your body uses some (but not all) of the oxygen in it.
A lot of that oxygen that your body uses get converted to carbon dioxide, and
it's added to the air that you breathe out. So your exhaled air has a greater
concentration of carbon dioxide than fresh air has.
What are some of the US global policies?
Some of the US global policies include promoting democracy and human rights, maintaining international alliances and partnerships, enforcing trade agreements, combating terrorism, and addressing climate change through international agreements.
