Global Warming: Evidence, Causes, Consequences and Mitigation

Abstract

Studies suggest that rise in the global temperature since 1880 (estimated 0.8 to 1.0oC) is real and considerably alarming. Although natural causes have been responsible for repeated global temperature changes in the geological past, the present rise is commonly attributed to the concentration of anthropogenic greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2), in the atmosphere. CO2, which takes hundreds of years to be removed from the atmosphere, has increased significantly over the past century. Increasing consumption of fossil fuels in energy production, industry, transport, agriculture and other human activity has been causing the emission of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s system. More than 2°C increase in temperature by the end of this century would be severe if not catastrophic.Global warming would result in melting of glaciers and polar icecaps, water depletion, insecurity of food, sea-level rise and threat to coastal regions, coral reefs extinction, migration of species and natural disasters. The potential threats of climate change are assumed to be more severe to the less developed countries because of their lack of resilience and preparedness. The situation, according to some, is desperate and urgently requires remedial steps such as removal of CO2 from atmosphere, afforestation, use of clean energy, and changing our life style to control Earth’s temperature. The world needs to unite in taking necessary remedial steps on an urgent basis to ensure sustainable development.