Global warming is the phenomenon of a gradual increase in the

temperature near the earth’s surface. This phenomenon has been

observed over the past one or two centuries. This change has
disturbed the climatic pattern of the earth. However, the concept
of global warming is quite controversial but the scientists have
provided relevant data in support of the fact that the temperature
of the earth is rising constantly.
There are several causes of global warming, which have a
negative effect on humans, plants and animals. These causes
may be natural or might be the outcome of human activities. In
order to curb the issues, it is very important to understand the
negative impacts of global warming.

Causes of Global Warming

Following are the major causes of global warming:

Man-made Causes of Global Warming

Deforestation
Plants are the main source of oxygen. They take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen
thereby maintaining environmental balance. Forests are being depleted for many
domestic and commercial purposes. This has led to an environmental imbalance,
thereby giving rise to global warming.

Use of Vehicles
The use of vehicles, even for a very short distance results in various gaseous
emissions. Vehicles burn fossil fuels which emit a large amount of carbon dioxide and
other toxins into the atmosphere resulting in a temperature increase.

Chlorofluorocarbon
With the excessive use of air conditioners and refrigerators, humans have been adding
CFCs into the environment which affects the atmospheric ozone layer. The ozone layer
protects the earth surface from the harmful ultraviolet rays emitted by the sun. The
CFCs have led to ozone layer depletion making way for the ultraviolet rays, thereby
increasing the temperature of the earth.

Industrial Development
With the advent of industrialization, the temperature of the earth has been increasing
rapidly. The harmful emissions from the factories add to the increasing temperature of
the earth.

In 2013, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change reported that the increase in
the global temperature between 1880 and 2012 has been 0.9 degrees Celsius. The
increase is 1.1 degrees Celsius when compared to the pre-industrial mean temperature.

Overpopulation
An increase in population means more people breathing. This leads to an increase in
the level of carbon dioxide, the primary gas causing global warming, in the atmosphere.

Natural Causes of Global Warming

Volcanoes
Volcanoes are one of the largest natural contributors to global warming. The ash and
smoke emitted during volcanic eruptions goes out into the atmosphere and affects the
climate.

Water Vapour
Water vapour is a kind of greenhouse gas. Due to the increase in the earth’s
temperature, more water gets evaporated from the water bodies and stays in the
atmosphere adding to global warming.

Effects of Global Warming

Following are the major effects of global warming:

Rise in Temperature
Global warming has led to an incredible increase in earth’s temperature.
Since 1880, the earth’s temperature has increased by ~1 degrees. This
has resulted in an increase in the melting of glaciers, which have led to
an increase in the sea level. This could have devastating effects on
coastal regions..

Climate Change
Global warming has led to a change in climatic conditions. There are
droughts at some places and floods at some. This climatic imbalance is
the result of global warming.

Spread of Diseases
Global warming leads to a change in the patterns of heat and humidity.
This has led to the movement of mosquitoes that carry and spread
diseases.

High Mortality Rates

Due to an increase in floods, tsunamis and other natural calamities, the
average death toll usually increases. Also, such events can bring about
the spread of diseases that can hamper human life.

Loss of Natural Habitat

A global shift in the climate leads to the loss of habitats of several plants
and animals. In this case, the animals need to migrate from their natural
habitat and many of them even become extinct. This is yet another major
impact of global warming on biodiversity.
10 Ways to Stop Global Warming
Change a light
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb
will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Drive less
Walk, bike, carpool or take mass transit more often. You'll save one
pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you don't drive!

Recycle more
You can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year by recycling just
half of your household waste.

Check your tires

Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve your gas mileage by
more than 3 percent. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of
carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

Use less hot water

It takes a lot of energy to heat water. Use less hot water by taking shorter
and cooler showers and washing your clothes in cold or warm instead of
hot water (more than 500 pounds of carbon dioxide saved per year).

Avoid products with a lot of packaging

You can save 1,200 pounds of carbon dioxide if you reduce your
garbage by 10 percent.

Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime.

Turn off electronic devices

Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer,
when you're not using them, will save you thousands of pounds of
carbon dioxide a year.
we have a responsibility to protect the planet for future
generations and to ensure that climate action is just and
inclusive. Indigenous and local knowledge systems offer
valuable insights into sustainable living and resilience,
emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives in crafting
solutions.
Despite the immense challenges, there is hope. Technological
advancements, growing public awareness, and increasing
political will provide a pathway to mitigate and adapt to climate
change. Communities worldwide are demonstrating resilience
and innovation, proving that a sustainable and equitable future is
achievable.
In conclusion, global warming is a multifaceted challenge that
requires a comprehensive, coordinated response. By embracing
scientific knowledge, fostering international cooperation,
promoting sustainable practices, and upholding ethical
responsibilities, humanity can confront the challenges of global
warming and work towards a more resilient and equitable world.
The urgency is clear, and the time to act is now.

Understanding Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's
average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily
the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). This phenomenon is a
key aspect of climate change, which encompasses broader
changes in climate patterns, including alterations in
precipitation, wind patterns, and other climate-related
phenomena.
Key Components of Global Warming
1. Greenhouse Gases:
o Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released primarily from

burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) and

deforestation.
o Methane (CH4): Emitted during the production and

transport of coal, oil, and natural gas. Methane

emissions also result from livestock and other
agricultural practices.
o Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Emitted from agricultural and

industrial activities, as well as during combustion of

fossil fuels and solid waste.
2. Greenhouse Effect:
o The greenhouse effect is the process by which

greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere,

preventing it from escaping into space. This trapped
heat leads to a warming of the planet.
3. Human Activities:
o Industrial processes, transportation, energy

production, deforestation, and agricultural practices

are the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Feedback Mechanisms:
o Certain processes can amplify the effects of global

warming. For instance, melting ice reduces the Earth's

 albedo (reflectivity), causing more solar radiation to
be absorbed and further warming the planet.
Consequences of Global Warming
1. Rising Temperatures:
o Increased global temperatures lead to more frequent

and intense heatwaves, affecting human health,

agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
2. Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels:
o Melting glaciers and polar ice caps contribute to rising

sea levels, threatening coastal communities and

ecosystems.
3. Extreme Weather Events:
o Global warming is linked to more frequent and severe

weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, droughts,

and wildfires.
4. Ocean Acidification:
o Increased CO2 levels result in higher levels of

carbonic acid in the oceans, which harms marine life,

particularly coral reefs and shellfish.
5. Ecosystem Disruption:
o Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns

affect ecosystems and biodiversity, leading to habitat

loss and species extinction.
6. Human Health Impacts:
o Heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems due to air

pollution, and the spread of vector-borne diseases are

 some of the health impacts associated with global
warming.
7. Economic Consequences:
o Damage to infrastructure from extreme weather,

reduced agricultural yields, and increased health care

costs are among the economic impacts of global
warming.
Mitigation and Adaptation
1. Reducing Emissions:
o Transitioning to renewable energy sources (solar,

wind, hydro), enhancing energy efficiency, and

adopting sustainable agricultural practices are
essential strategies for reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.
2. Carbon Sequestration:
o Techniques such as reforestation, afforestation, and

carbon capture and storage (CCS) help remove CO2

from the atmosphere.
3. Policy and International Cooperation:
o International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement,

aim to unite countries in the effort to limit global

temperature rise and mitigate climate change.
4. Adaptation Strategies:
o Building resilient infrastructure, developing early

warning systems for extreme weather, and promoting

sustainable water management practices help
communities adapt to the impacts of global warming.
Conclusion
Global warming is a critical aspect of climate change driven by
human activities. Its consequences are far-reaching, affecting the
environment, human health, and economies. Addressing global
warming requires a multifaceted approach involving emission
reduction, technological innovation, policy measures, and
adaptive strategies. By understanding the causes and impacts of
global warming, society can take informed actions to mitigate its
effects and build a sustainable future.
India has been actively engaged in environmental policy-making
to address global warming and climate change. Here are some of
the key policies and initiatives:
Implements taken By Indian Government on Global
warming:-
1. **National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)**:

- Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines India's strategy to tackle

climate change through eight national missions. These missions focus on
various aspects such as solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency,
sustainable agriculture, and more.

2. **National Solar Mission**:

- One of the missions under the NAPCC, it aims to establish India as a

global leader in solar energy by creating an enabling policy framework
for the deployment of 100 GW of solar power by 2022. The target has
now been extended to 450 GW by 2030.
3. **National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)**:

- This mission promotes innovative policies and regulatory regimes to

foster energy efficiency in various sectors. The Perform, Achieve, and
Trade (PAT) scheme is a key component, which sets energy efficiency
targets for industries.

4. **National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)**:

- Launched in 2019, NCAP aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10

concentrations by 20-30% by 2024. This initiative includes city-specific
action plans and promotes public awareness and participation.

5. **India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)**:

- Announced in 2019, ICAP aims to reduce cooling demand across

sectors by 20-25% by 2037-38. It focuses on enhancing energy
efficiency, promoting alternative refrigerants, and sustainable cooling
practices.

6. **International Solar Alliance (ISA)**:

- India, along with France, launched the ISA in 2015. This alliance
aims to promote solar energy usage and facilitate cooperation among
solar-rich countries to address energy needs and climate change.
7. **Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)**:

- As part of the Paris Agreement, India committed to reducing the

emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
Additionally, it aims to achieve about 40% of its cumulative electric
power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by
2030.

8. **Green India Mission**:

- Another mission under NAPCC, it focuses on enhancing ecosystem

services like carbon sequestration and forest biodiversity. The goal is to
increase forest and tree cover to the extent of 5 million hectares.

9. **Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)**:

- Launched in 2016, PMUY aims to provide LPG connections to poor

households to reduce dependence on traditional biomass fuels, thereby
decreasing indoor air pollution and improving health outcomes.

10. **Electric Vehicles (EV) Policy**:

- Various state-level policies and the Faster Adoption and

Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme
promote the adoption of electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions from the transportation sector.