Global Warming 101 | National Geographic

Summary

Over the last century, Earth's temperature has risen 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution. This has increased carbon dioxide levels, intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming. Evidence includes record warm years, high levels of greenhouse gases, and shrinking Arctic sea ice. Predicted impacts include rising temperatures, potential sea-level rise, and changes in weather patterns. Organizations advocate reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and individuals can help by conserving energy and reducing vehicle use.

Takeaways

• ⏱️ The Earth's climate has historically fluctuated between ice ages and warmer periods, but the temperature has risen unusually fast in the last century.
• 🌡️ The average global temperature increase is estimated to be between 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit, attributed to human activities.
• 🔥 The process of global warming is driven by the burning of fossil fuels since the industrial revolution, releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
• 🌞 The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, but human activities have intensified this effect.
• 📈 Evidence of global warming includes record warm years, with 1998 being the warmest on record, and high levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere.
• 🧊 Arctic sea ice is shrinking, with a decline of about 10 percent in the last 30 years according to NASA studies.
• 🌐 The continuous consumption of energy by industrialized nations and increasing fossil fuel use by developing countries will lead to a further rise in greenhouse gas concentrations.
• 🌡️ Researchers predict a temperature increase of about 2 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century due to global warming.
• ❓ The exact impacts of rising temperatures are uncertain, with potential effects including rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns, and increased frequency of severe weather events.
• 🦜 Species that cannot adapt to the changing conditions may face extinction, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
• 🌱 Organizations advocate for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and individuals can contribute by conserving energy, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and reducing car usage.

Q & A

How long have the Earth's climate fluctuations been occurring?

The Earth's climate has been fluctuating for 2.5 million years, cycling from ice ages to warmer periods.

What is the approximate increase in the Earth's temperature in the last century?

The Earth's temperature has risen unusually fast in the last century, about 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the primary cause of the recent rapid temperature increase according to the script?

Scientists believe that human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, is driving the recent rapid temperature increase.

What is the process by which human activity is believed to be contributing to global warming?

Human activity, such as the burning of fossil fuels in factories, power plants, and cars, releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

What is the greenhouse effect and how does it relate to global warming?

The greenhouse effect is a naturally occurring process where certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, warming the planet. Global warming is believed to be intensified by the extra greenhouse gases released by human activities.

What is the role of the Sun in the greenhouse effect?

The Sun radiates energy to the Earth, which is absorbed and some of it is radiated back into space. The greenhouse effect involves the trapping of some of this energy by naturally-occurring gases in the atmosphere.

What evidence is cited in the script for global warming?

Evidence for global warming includes a recent string of very warm years, with 1998 being the warmest year in measured history, high levels of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, and the shrinking of Arctic sea ice.

How has Arctic sea ice been affected by global warming according to NASA studies?

According to NASA studies, the extent of Arctic sea ice has declined about 10 percent in the last 30 years.

What predictions do researchers have regarding future temperature increases?

Researchers predict that temperatures will increase about two to 10 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

What are some potential impacts of rising temperatures on the planet?

Potential impacts of rising temperatures include subtle changes in climate, rising sea levels that could flood coastal areas, changes in weather patterns leading to more frequent hurricanes, and more common severe droughts. Species unable to adapt to the changing conditions may face extinction.

What actions can individuals take to help reduce the impact of global warming?

Individuals can help reduce the impact of global warming by saving energy around the house, switching to compact fluorescent light bulbs, and driving fewer miles in the car each week.