Is Earth’s Average Temperature Really Increasing?
The average temperature of Earth’s land and ocean surfaces has been rising for the past century. In fact, it has risen about twice as fast as we thought. This modern-day warming trend is not something that we are just experiencing; it is a well-established fact that the planet is getting hotter. And this means that climate change will only become more prevalent in the future.
How Does Global Temperature Change?
The changes in the global average temperature that are recorded each year are mostly due to the actions of human activities. This temperature change is a result of the greenhouse effect that is caused by the combination of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and heat from the earth’s interior. The average temperature of the land and ocean surfaces has fluctuated over time, but it is currently increasing about twice as fast as it was around the turn of the 20th century. It has also been rising about as quickly in the Arctic as in the Antarctic.
How Bad Is Climate Change?
Despite this global warming trend, there is still a lot of uncertainty about the longer-term effects of climate change. The changes that are occurring today will likely become the new normal in the coming decades. Additionally, the impacts of climate change will be felt across the globe. For instance, higher levels of carbon in the air will have an effect on the global weather, which in turn will have an effect on the economy, agriculture, and the health of people living in regions affected by climate change.
Greenhouse Gases
The main greenhouse gas that is responsible for causing global warming is CO2. When carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere, it is recycled back into the earth’s biosphere, where it can influence plant and animal life. This process is known as carbon uptake by plants and animals, and it is a result of photosynthesis.
Some many other gases and substances are chemically similar to CO2 that is also responsible for global warming. These include CH4, N2O, and N2P. There is also a small amount of other gases produced by human activities, known as pollutants, that are also responsible for global warming. These gases include higher energy particles emitted from vehicles, power plants, and other industrial facilities.
What Drives Climate Change?
Human activities are the main reason for climate change. This is because humans use a lot of energy, and this energy is released in the form of heat and carbon dioxide. The heat that is released by humans and other industrial processes is the main driver of climate change. CO2 is a natural component of the air and is responsible for the greenhouse effect. It brings about the increased temperature of the air because it is heavier than air. Vegetation and water activities are also major water vapor conductors, which means that they remove heat from the water and release it in the form of heat radiation.
The Facts on Global Temperature Change
The actual cause of the increase in global average temperature is still a mystery. Many theories are being considered, but so far, the main ones include:
- The increase in human activity, especially the use of carbon-based fuels.
- The increase in the earth’s average temperature, is due to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, by humans.
- The effect of other changes in the earth’s environment, such as changes in the climate of the sea and land.
- The effect of changes in the distribution of the globe’s biomes, especially tropical forests.