What is Global Warming?

Global Warming is the observed increase in air and ocean temperatures in recent decades. Although the terms are often confused and used interchangeably, Global Warming is actually a specific example of the broader subject of 'Climate Change'.

How Serious is Global Warming?

Global average air temperature near the Earth's surface rose roughly 0.74 °Celsius in the last century, and models predict that by the year 2100, global temperatures are likely to increase by 1.1 to 6.4 °C; which would have drastic effects on our environment.

Global Warming can in turn cause other changes to our planet, such as rising sea levels and changes in the amount and pattern of precipitation. It is also believed that an increase in extreme weather conditions are another side-effect.

Overall, these changes affect our ability to grow and harvest crops, they lead to the extinction of entire species that are unable to adapt to the environmental changes, and they lead to the increased spread of diseases. 

Global mean surface temperature anomaly 1850 to 2006 The image on the left shows the temperature anomalies (in degrees Celcius) from 1850 to 2006. Although some of this increase is due to other factors such as natural gas emissions and solar and volcanic activity, the major cause of the increase is due to human activities such as CO2 emissions and tropical deforestation.

Why is Global Warming Occuring?

Although factors such as solar activity, volcanic activity and natural gas emissions are thought to have played a part, most of the increase of global average temperatures since the mid 20th century is due to an increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations emitted by human activity.

Commonly referred to as the greenhouse effect (which also encorporates the natural release of greenhouse gases), the major human activities that have contributed to Global Warming are the increase in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) production (caused by increased fossil fuel burning for industry) and tropical deforestation.

What Can You Do? 

There is no doubt that we can solve this problem - in fact, it is our duty to do so. The small changes that you can make to your lifestyle and daily routine all add up to big differences in the fight against Global Warming.

Take a look at our Tips for Greener Living for some ideas of how you can help, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.