2. What is global warming?

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system, primarily attributed to human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The accumulation of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and fluorinated gases, leads to the enhanced greenhouse effect, trapping heat within the Earth's atmosphere and causing the planet's temperature to rise.

Key aspects of global warming include:

1. Temperature Rise: Global warming results in an overall increase in temperatures across the Earth's surface and atmosphere. While temperature changes may vary regionally and seasonally, long-term trends show a consistent pattern of warming.

2. Climate Change: Global warming is a driver of climate change, influencing various climate phenomena such as changes in precipitation patterns, shifts in weather systems, alterations in storm intensity and frequency, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.

3. Glacial Melting and Sea-Level Rise: Rising temperatures contribute to the melting of glaciers, ice caps, and polar ice sheets, leading to the loss of land ice and contributing to sea-level rise. This poses risks to coastal communities, ecosystems, and infrastructure.

4. Ocean Warming and Acidification: Global warming also affects the Earth's oceans, leading to increases in ocean temperatures and changes in ocean chemistry. Warmer oceans can disrupt marine ecosystems, coral reefs, and fisheries, while ocean acidification, resulting from the absorption of CO2, can harm marine organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons.

5. Extreme Events: Global warming is associated with an increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, heavy rainfall, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. These events can have significant socio-economic impacts, affecting agriculture, water resources, human health, and infrastructure.

Human activities driving global warming include the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, industry, and agriculture, as well as deforestation, land-use changes, and industrial processes. Efforts to mitigate global warming involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, enhancing carbon sequestration, and adapting to the impacts of climate change.