Global warming is no more a myth – right this moment, it is staring straight at us. There is much hue and cry about this phenomenon. So, what is global warming? Global warming is a change in the average temperature of the ocean, sea and the upper atmosphere of our planet. When we say change of temperature; it refers to an increase and in the last 100 years, the average temperature has increased by almost 1.330F. The bottom-line is that the Earth is becoming warmer.

Causes of Global Warming

Global warming is caused by the release of certain gases known as Greenhouse gases into the air. The process can be compared to smoking. When we smoke, harmful gas like carbon monoxide is released into the air. Since air is lighter, it floats up and hence the average temperature in a smoking room will always be higher.

Green house gases are released naturally through volcanoes & due to de-forestation and artificially by industries, vehicles etc. The various greenhouse gases responsible for global warming include methane, water vapor, ozone, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide.

The Greenhouse Effect

The Greenhouse effect is caused by the green house gases and thus global warming takes place. What really happens is that since the earth’s surface is cooler, it transfers most of the energy that is absorbed from sunlight. Now due to the increase in the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere; the earth’s atmosphere has started to absorb more heat than it can radiate and hence global warming.

The Effect

Global warming has had different types of effects in different countries although the increase in temperature has been felt globally. Some of the effects include storms, typhoons, melting of the ice, which is one of the most damaging phenomenon of Global warming and death of plant and animals as well as their habitats. Since ice is the only source of freshwater in the world, the disappearance of ice can lead to water shortage causing famine and death.

Save the Planet

Although scientists suggest that the process of global warming is irreversible but all of us together can do our small bit to save the planet. We can start using energy efficient appliances, uses solar power, buy cars with better fuel efficiency and cleaner fuels and above all, plant trees. Trees not only provide shade and fruits but they can help to stall the process of Global warming.