The Earth absorbs radiation from the sun to provide heat and energy for life.  Some of the radiation is reflected back into space but clouds and a natural layer of atmospheric gases prevent part of the radiation from escaping. This natural greenhouse effect warms the Earth by as much as 30 °C.  Without this effect our planet would be uninhabitable.  Greenhouse gases, both natural and manmade, include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane and water vapour. Until recently the Earth has achieved a balance between the natural release of carbon, and other greenhouse gases, and their absorption. 

‘The Earth cannot absorb these gases at the rate they are being produced’

Human activity has resulted in substantial increases in the rate at which CO2 is released into the atmosphere. We are exceeding the ability of the Earth to absorb CO2, so that levels in the atmosphere are about 50% higher than they would have been without human activity. Earth is warming due to an enhanced Greenhouse effect, a process that will inevitably continue for around a century even if the concentration of CO2 stabilises. This is due to the ability of the Ocean to store heat, which delays the rise in temperature. It is therefore imperative, if we are to survive as a species, that we take steps to adapt to climate change, implement measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and make plans for a carbon neutral future.

Global warming is, by its very definition, a worldwide problem. The answer lies in tackling the causes and the consequences of global warming in every country of the world. The effects of Global Warming are being felt now. The increase in Global Warming is due to mankind’s own activities, particularly our use of fossil fuels. We are all affected and we can all contribute to the solution. Global warming means rising temperatures and changing environmental conditions in every country; but these temperature rises will not be spread evenly across the rest of the world.

‘We will have to adapt to these climatic events and put plans in  place to combat global warming’

 Connections have now been made linking global warming with hurricanes through the rise in sea temperatures. Not only has there been significant loss of life as a result of severe weather conditions around the world; but there has also been huge financial losses to compensate for the damage caused. Climate change will mean changing environmental conditions in every country in the world. For some there will be benefits from growing more productive crops, for others traditional crops will become rare. However we must all expect change and severe weather conditions such as heat waves, storms and flooding. Changing climatic conditions put an increased strain on energy resources, which in turn leads to more carbon emissions.

Global warming will increase temperatures and reduce rainfall in many countries. Increased evaporation will worsen the effects of the droughts. Conversely, although increased water vapour will add to the greenhouse effect there will be higher rainfall in other areas. The rainfall is likely to be more intense, eroding the land and causing flooding. The droughts will increase the number, range and severity of forest fires; and increase the number of ‘at risk’ areas. The carbon released into the atmosphere will add to the causes of global warming. Changing climate will decrease the likelihood that the woodlands re-grow and re-absorb carbon again.

Droughts are increasingly likely to persist for years in regions that previously enjoyed rainy seasons. Water sources such as natural springs, oasis and mountain streams will dry up; and inland seas and lakes will disappear. Such losses threaten to seriously impact on bio-diversity as species struggle to survive in the changing conditions, as well as severely impacting on farming and many other aspects of human lives.

While most attention has gone to those human activities which release CO2 into the atmosphere, it must not be forgotten that humans have had an adverse effect on certain carbon sinks. Deforestation has led to a significant reduction in the amount of CO2 the Earth can absorb, and so had a huge effect on both global and local climate. This loss is reckoned to contribute around 20% of human induced atmospheric CO2 increase.