Global warming is the anomalous increase in the average temperature of Planet Earth, which can profoundly affect life on the globe
OR Global warming is the anomalous increase in temperature on Planet Earthcaused mainly by the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere due to human actions. It is estimated that 2023 averaged 1.45°C (within a margin of 0.12°C more or less) higher than that recorded from 1850 to 1900.
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This global upheaval causes damage to the environment, human life, the economy and all biodiversity. OR the melting of glaciers, the rise in sea levels and the heat felt on the skin Every day is an example of the effects of this phenomenon.
To combat global warming, measures such as the use of clean energy, reforestation and public measures must be encouraged. If nothing is done, the situation could worsen in the short and long term.
What is global warming?
Global warming is defined as the anomalous increase in the average temperature of the oceans and air layer of Planet Earth. The global boiling phenomenon is caused directly by human activity, but can also result from natural causes.
This increase is based on measurements from the pre-industrial period. According to data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report, the year 2023 had an average temperature of 1.45°C (with a margin of 0.12°C more or less) higher than the average recorded by 1850 to 1900.
Causes of global warming
Global warming is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2). This process is mainly caused by human action.
Burning fossil fuels (petrol, diesel, natural gas) to produce energy, industrial activities, air and water pollution, fires and deforestation are some examples of human activities that generate an increase in these gases in the atmosphere.

Effects of global warming
The abnormal increase in temperature caused by Global warming generates changes that can cause some irreversible problems for Planet Earth. The melting of the polar ice caps, for example, causes the ocean levels to rise and, consequently, the flooding of islands and coasts.
Furthermore, the increase in climate phenomena such as floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes and droughts are caused by global warming. These and other problems cause environmental imbalances and scarcity of natural resources.

Social and economic impacts
The environmental imbalance generated by global warming also causes social and economic problems for Planet Earth. Increased poverty, mass displacement and social inequality are examples of this.
According to the United Nations (UN), climate-related events displaced, on average, 23.1 million people per year between 2010 and 2019, making these people more vulnerable to poverty.
Environmental disasters also cause economic problems. According to a study by Adrien Bilal and Diego R. Känzig, by National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)the macroeconomic damage resulting from climate change is already estimated to be six times greater than expected.
Furthermore, a 1ºC increase in global average temperature represents a 12% drop in global GDP.

Scientific proof
The Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presented some conclusions on global warming. Compared to the period from 1850 to 1900, global surface temperatures increased by 1.1ºC between 2011 and 2020.
Another point to note is that the average sea level increased by 0.20 meters (with a margin of error of about 0.05) between 1901 and 2018. From at least 1971 onwards, human action has been the main cause of this change.
In addition to rising sea levels, the report also mentions retreating glaciers, acidification of the upper oceans and increasing temperature extremes. In addition to the IPCC, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) also published a study confirming that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 1.45°C (with a margin of 0 ,12°C more or less) above average. from 1850 to 1900.
Solutions
Although it is not an easy task, humans can take some measures to combat global warming. In everyday life, reducing car use, investing in renewable energy, planting trees and reporting fires and deforestation, for example, can be simple ways to reduce gas emissions into the atmosphere.
- Renewable energy
To combat global warming, the use of renewable energy appears as one of the solutions. Clean energy sources, such as solar, wind and hydroelectric, do not emit gases into the atmosphere. Furthermore, they are generated by natural sources, such as the sun, wind and water, which means they are easily restored.
- Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is defined by the rational and conscious use of resources. This measure can be represented by the reduction of energy consumption, the use of renewable energy and the choice of more efficient appliances.
In Brazil, exchanging incandescent lamps for LED models is an example of energy efficiency in homes. The country has also adopted the Energy Efficiency Program (PEE), which aims to promote the efficient use of electricity, reduce waste and invest in projects that seek to optimize energy consumption.
- Reforestation and forest conservation
Reforestation and forest conservation help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The removal of carbon dioxide, for example, occurs through photosynthesis. These activities have already been recognized as measures to combat climate change.
- Public policies and international agreements
Policies such as the Energy Efficiency Program (PEE) and the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNA) are used to combat global warming. However, the Paris Agreement is one of the best-known measures.
The treaty aims to strengthen countries’ capacity to address the impacts of climate change. The Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting sustainable development was signed by 195 countries.
One of the measures of the Agreement is the determination that developed countries invest 100 billion dollars per year in measures to combat and adapt to climate change in developing countries.
- Carbon capture and storage technologies
In addition to the removal of gases through nature, there is the process of carbon capture and storage, which prevents the substance from entering the atmosphere. In this controversial initiative, CO2 is artificially separated from other gases before or after combustion.
Once this separation is done, the gas is stored and transported to the appropriate location. The process, however, is quite expensive and consumes a lot of energy.
Adaptation to climate change
According to the IPCC (2014), adaptation measures need to be taken to reduce or avoid harm from global warming. Furthermore, it can be used to explore beneficial opportunities arising from climate change.
To promote the reduction of risks deriving from climate change, in 2016 the federal government established the National Plan for Adaptation to Climate Change (PNA).
Importance of environmental education
Environmental education, especially for young people, is essential for building long-term change. This awareness can enhance the ecological needs of a generation. In other words, access to information on global warming, climate change, sustainability and other aspects is key to changing behavior and attitudes.
Climate denialism
One reason environmental education is important is to combat climate denial. According to research by the Datafolha Institute, in 2019, 15% of the Brazilian population did not believe that the Earth was warming.
Future climate projections
According to the IPCC report, even if emissions are very low, global warming is more likely to reach 1.5°C in the short term. However, in a high-emissions scenario, Earth could exceed this warming by 1.5°C. In some scenarios, however, the temperature drops below 1.5ºC. However, the most pessimistic projection indicates the possibility of an increase above 4ºC by 2100.
Source: Terra

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