Global Warming : fact or fiction ( 24 SSB Bangalore

 Global Warming : fact or fiction ( 24 SSB Bangalore

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in the Earth's average surface temperature. This increase is primarily caused by the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), resulting from human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

The scientific consensus is that global warming is a fact, and not fiction. The evidence is based on numerous studies and observations, including:

1. Temperature Records: Over the past century, the Earth's surface temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit), with the majority of the warming occurring in the past few decades. This warming trend is unprecedented in the last 2,000 years and cannot be explained by natural factors alone.

2. Sea Level Rise: The global sea level has risen by about 8 inches (20 cm) since 1900, with the rate of rise accelerating in recent decades. This rise is due to the thermal expansion of seawater as well as the melting of land-based ice, including glaciers and ice sheets.

3. Melting Arctic Ice: Arctic sea ice has been declining rapidly in recent decades, with the minimum extent in 2012 being the lowest ever recorded. This loss of ice has important implications for the global climate, as it affects the reflectivity of the Earth's surface, leading to further warming.

4. Ocean Acidification: As the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere increases, more of it dissolves into the ocean, leading to ocean acidification. This can have severe impacts on marine ecosystems and the fisheries that depend on them.

5. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is also associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, and heavy precipitation.

The overwhelming majority of climate scientists agree that global warming is happening and is primarily caused by human activities. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which consists of thousands of scientists from around the world, has produced a series of reports that provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of knowledge on climate change. These reports have consistently highlighted the urgent need for action to reduce GHG emissions and limit the impacts of climate change.

In summary, global warming is not fiction, but an established fact supported by a vast body of scientific evidence. It is a serious global challenge that requires urgent action to address its causes and limit its impacts.

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