Global warming and climate change refer to an increase in average global temperatures. Natural events and human activities are believed to be contributing to an increase in average global temperatures. This is caused primarily by increases in "greenhouse " gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2). A warming planet thus leads to a change in climate which can affect weather in various ways, as discussed further below.
2. What Are Global Warming And Climate Change?.
2.1 What Is Climate Change?.
Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world today. Climate change refers to a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.
2.2 What Is Global Warming?.
Global warming is the increased heat trapped in the earth's atmosphere resulting from excess greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2). These naturally occurring gases including Methane (CH4) & Nitrous Oxide (N20) form a layer in the atmosphere reflecting the sun's rays back down to the earth. These gases are exacerbated in the atmosphere by fossil fuel use for energy (i.e. coal and oil) and the alteration to our natural landscape. This has an unnatural warming effect on our fragile environment. .
2.3 What Is The Greenhouse Effect?.
Greenhouse effect is the process where energy from the sun drives the earth's weather and climate, and heats the earth's surface. In turn, the earth radiates energy back into space and some atmospheric gases (water vapour, carbon dioxide, and other gases) trap some of the outgoing energy, retaining heat somewhat like the glass panels of a greenhouse. These gases are therefore known as greenhouse gases. The greenhouse effect is the rise in temperature on Earth as certain gases in the atmosphere trap energy.
3. What Are The Impacts Of Global Warming?.