Meaning of Global Warming

Global warming is a phenomenon in which global temperatures are slowly rising. While fluctuations
in global temperatures have occurred in the past, the increase in temperature seen recently, as well
as the trajectory of expected continued change, is unprecedented.

1. Function
o Global warming is caused by the greenhouse effect. However, the greenhouse effect
is not necessarily a bad thing. Only when it increases in intensity does it begin to cause problems.
There is a layer of thin gases miles above the surface of the Earth. Sunlight travels through that
layer, bounces off the Earth and then back out into space. The thin layer of gases serves to trap
some of the radiant heat of the sun before it all bounces out into space. This allows the earth to
retain heat and is what makes life possible on our planet. This effect is called the greenhouse effect,
because it is very similar to how a greenhouse works to keep warm in the winter months.
Misconceptions
o Global warming is a misnomer. A better phrase for this phenomenon, and one that is
becoming more commonly used, is global climate change. This is because while global
temperatures are expected to rise, it is only a single component of an array of climate changes that
are expected to take place.

Effects
o The effects of an enhanced greenhouse effect are more than just global warming.
The intensity and frequency of natural disasters such as floods, droughts, hurricanes and wildfires
will increase. Glaciers and snow caps will melt, causing sea levels to rise and reducing the water
supply for millions of people. More and more species will become endangered as their habitats
become increasingly unsuitable. The oceans will become more acidic and coral reefs will begin to
die out.

Contributions
o Global warming is occurring because the layer of greenhouse gases in our
atmosphere is growing thicker. The most significant greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide and the
largest source of this gas is combustion of fossil fuels. When coal and gasoline are burned, carbon
dioxide is released where it accumulates in the atmosphere. Other greenhouse gases include
methane, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons and water vapor. While there are
natural sources for many of these greenhouse gases, there is no question that humans have
accelerated their input into the environment.

Geography
o The effects of global warming are felt most strongly in the Polar Regions, where
there is a lot of permanent ice. Ice sheets and glaciers are melting quickly and are not able to
replenish because of warmer winter temperatures. Species in these regions are being impacted right
now. There are also species that are being impacted globally, but these effects are less severe and
potentially reversible.