We have studied or at least heard about global warming and its effects, which have gained global relevance in the last two decades. Over the past few years, people, including schoolchildren, have been taught about the impact of global warming and informed about how to adapt to climate change.
The earth’s climate pattern has been thrown off by the slow rise in temperature close to the surface of the earth. The idea of global warming is still up for debate, but scientists have offered compelling evidence to back it up. There are numerous factors contributing to global warming, which harms living beings. These reasons could be natural or the result of human activity (industrialisation, deforestation, vehicle emissions, etc).
When did it all begin?
People began using coal and other fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s, which resulted in the emission of more greenhouse gases, heating the Earth. Scientists believe that greenhouse emissions led to the rise of gases like carbon dioxide in the earth’s atmosphere. These gases have a huge impact on climate change because they trap some of the planet’s heat before it escapes into space.
There is an extensive amount of evidence that confirms this, starting with temperature readings made at weather stations and on ships beginning in the middle of the 19th century. Later, scientists started using satellites to monitor surface temperatures. This information, taken as a whole, shows that the Earth is becoming hotter.
Recently, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived,” which shook the world. He was speaking about new data released from the European Union and the World Meteorological Organization (WHO).
“Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning! He added. He further said that, “children swept away by monsoon rains, families running from the flames (and) workers collapsing in scorching heat.”
According to reports, July 6 is reported to have been the hottest day on Earth. The UN now claims that we are in an era of global boiling, which is partly due to climate change, the resurgence of the El Nino weather pattern, and the arrival of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. El Nino, which is the opposite of La Nina and occurs every three to seven years, is linked to warmer-than-average temperatures. In winter and summer, more harsh weather is brought on by the shifting Pacific trade winds, which alter the flow of warm ocean water.
The scorching heat in the Southwest of the United States and the wildfires in Greece are another factor contributing to the rise in global warming. According to reports, although the monsoon was mostly to blame for the unusually high rainfall in north and western India, the warm air also increased the capacity of the atmosphere to hold moisture, resulting in short torrential bursts that caused flooding and destruction.
Although climate change is evident, Guterres says that “we can still stop the worst. But to do so we must turn a year of burning heat into a year of burning ambition.” Guterres called on all nations to work towards achieving net zero emissions by mid-century and emphasised the need for new national emissions targets from G20 members. To protect millions from the effects of climate change, especially in developing nations, he urged “a global surge in adaptation investment.”
The possibility that 2023 will be the hottest year in recorded human history is increased by the new July record. This is a warning! If immediate action is taken to stop the effects of global warming, the worst that is still to come can be avoided. People can still be given awareness to change their attitudes and behaviours, and education can also assist them in making rational decisions. People should come together to make this world a better place, a better future to live in.