New Delhi, May 17: The average temperature across the globe is steadily rising. The surface air temperature of the Earth is increasing rapidly. Scientists emphasize that even a one-degree change in global temperatures is significant, as it requires a vast amount of energy. This minor shift affects the planet’s climate, weather, oceans, and forests.
First, let’s clarify what global warming is. According to NASA’s My NASA Earth Data portal, global warming refers to the ongoing increase in the Earth’s average temperature. The primary cause of this phenomenon is greenhouse gases released from burning fossil fuels such as coal, gasoline, and diesel.
The Goddard Institute at NASA reports that since 1880, the Earth’s average temperature has risen by approximately 0.8 degrees Celsius, with two-thirds of this increase occurring after 1975.
People often confuse climate change and global warming, treating them as synonymous, but they are distinct concepts. Global warming specifically refers to the rise in temperature, while climate change is a broader term. It encompasses changes in rainfall patterns, droughts, floods, rising sea levels, glacial melting, and impacts on marine life.
Similarly, there is a difference between weather and climate, which often leads to confusion. Weather describes short-term conditions in a specific area, such as rain today or strong winds tomorrow. In contrast, climate refers to the long-term average patterns in a region or the entire planet over years or decades.
For instance, if your area experiences unusually high rainfall in a single year, that is weather. However, a shift in rainfall patterns over several years may indicate climate change.
Scientists assert that a one-degree change in global temperatures is crucial. Locally, daily temperatures can fluctuate by 10-15 degrees, but a one-degree increase in global averages is a significant event. This change leads to sea level rise, glacial melting, and more extreme weather events, such as intense heat, heavy rainfall, and droughts.
According to scientists, the baseline period of 1951-1980 is considered when the world’s average temperature was about 14 degrees Celsius. Global temperatures primarily depend on how much energy the Earth receives from the sun and how much it radiates back into space. Greenhouse gases trap this energy, causing the Earth to warm.
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My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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