The Definition of Global Warming

Hello friends and thanks for reading.

My article today is concerning the definition of global warming. Since it is such a hot topic in today's media, it's important to know the facts behind this idea that the earth is constantly getting warmer. Global warming is not a 20th century phenomenon. It has, in fact, occurred in the past more than once, along with periods of extreme cold known as the ice ages. With so much written and reported about global warming, sometimes it's difficult to detect which is fact and which is just part of scientific scare tactics.

Global warming is basically the increase of the earth's average temperature and its projected continuation in the coming years. The unprecedented super-accelerated rate of global warming happening today is supposedly due to the amount of greenhouse gases being spewed into the atmosphere.

The increase in global temperature could cause many side effects including sea level rise and drastic changes to the pattern of precipitation resulting in floods and drought.

As the Earth's average temperature rises, effects in its landmasses and sea water level become apparent. Polar ice caps melt along with glaciers, contributing to higher and warmer sea levels. By the end of the century, it is estimated that sea levels can increase from 4 inches to a high of about 40 inches if global warming continues unabated.

Currently, there in an ongoing political debate on what action, if any, should be taken to help lower the chance of global warming. How these measures will fare and contribute to the long-term maintenance of our planet, though, remains to be seen.

Effects of Global Warming on the Climate of Europe

Living in the 21st century, we are familiar with the phenomenon of global warming. It is responsible for adversely affecting the climate and posing a serious threat to the social and economic development of countries across the world. Since Europe is located in the northern part of the globe, there are peculiar changes in its climate in the past decade. This article will provide details about global warming-caused weather changes on the continent.

What is Global Warming?

To put it simply, it means that our Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are getting warmer each year. This is due to the rise in greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which absorbs the heat of the sun more than the required amounts and causes our planet to get warmer. These gases are emitted because of human activities like pollution, deforestation and the likes.

What Does It Do?

Global warming has a very severe impact on our lives.

It creates floods, droughts, famines and even devastating hurricanes. Its long-term impact is even worse: rising levels of seawater, extreme weather changes, unbalanced ecology, and a lot more. For instance, the weather forecast in London predicted in 2010 was that UK would experience the coldest winter to date, and one of the main reasons behind this was global warming.

How Does It Affect Europe?

Being in the temperate zone, Europe usually has extreme and dry climate with less rainfall. However, UK and Ireland are strongly influenced by the sea.

Hence, their climate is more humid and erratic as compared to North America, which is located around the same latitude.

But, global warming has changed this scenario considerably. The heat wave of 2003 and the chilly winters of 2010 have severely affected London, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds weather, amongst others. As each year sees more erratic weather, there has been a significant loss in the national economy. Agriculture, tourism, and industrial development have really taken a hit.

Studies show that as compared to the global average, Europe is warmer, and the last decade (2001-2010) has seen a rise of 1.2 degree Celsius as compared to the previous decade. It is predicted that along with other cities, Bristol weather is going to experience frequent extremes, including frost days, dry spells, and heat waves. This time around, they will be more intense and last for longer periods of time.

This issue is affecting people on a very large scale and international norms are being put into place to ensure that companies reduce their carbon footprint. On an individual level we all need to do our bit to save the ecology.