Global warming is a phenomenon linked to the sustained increase in average temperature.
Global warming is a phenomenon observed in the average temperature of the last decades, which is rising steadily. The notion also refers to a theory that, based on different projections, maintains that the temperature will continue to rise in the future due to human action.
Despite the popularity that the topic has gained in recent years, it is important to make some distinctions. Global warming is often associated with climate change , although the latter phenomenon ( climate variation) has always existed and is natural. However, climate change, which generates anomalous variations, is currently usually known as climate change caused by human action.
On the other hand, global warming is associated with the greenhouse effect , which is a phenomenon by which certain gases that make up the Earth's atmosphere retain part of the energy emitted by the ground after having been heated by the Sun 's radiation . The greenhouse effect works as follows: solar radiation passes through the atmosphere, bounces off the ground and should pass through the atmosphere again; however, greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide and methane ) produce a layer of pollution that prevents the sun's rays from coming out again, causing an increase in the Earth 's temperature .
Consequences of global warming on health
Among the main consequences generated by global warming, we must state that, in addition to the considerable increase in temperatures , there may be an increase in respiratory diseases experienced by humans.
According to experts in the field, if this phenomenon continues, the world's population will be much more exposed to respiratory diseases. In addition, the number of people suffering from cardiovascular diseases , dehydration and infections caused by mosquitoes or similar animals will increase.
These health -related consequences are mainly due to the fact that both the respiratory and cardiovascular systems are harmed by rising temperatures, which mean that any individual has to make a greater effort to undertake any action or activity.
Global warming could cause glaciers to melt, generating floods due to rising sea levels .
Problems with water and crops
Likewise, global warming will cause both surface and groundwater to lose quality as a result of these high temperatures. Not to mention that in both cases the quantity of water would be noticeably reduced and the amount of water suitable for human consumption would be significantly reduced.
The latter would be particularly detrimental to sectors such as agriculture , as the land would become drier, lose nutrients and be more affected by pests, which cause plant diseases and, consequently, spoil crops.
Although some experts consider global warming to be a myth, there is a certain consensus on the need to reduce polluting emissions to prevent further warming . If the trend is not reversed, glaciers could melt, increasing the water level in the oceans and flooding many cities, to mention another effect.
Forest fires, intense storms, polar ice melting and soil erosion are some of the consequences of global warming.
The fight against global warming
The international community has agreed on various steps to mitigate global warming. The Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement , for example, are instruments that aim to reduce the use of fossil fuels to minimize carbon emissions and air pollution and thus keep global temperatures at acceptable levels.
It should be noted that global warming also causes desertification , droughts, ocean acidification and the recurrence of extreme weather events, causing the loss of biodiversity and promoting the extinction of species . In short, global warming puts food security and public health at risk, even threatening survival.
The use of renewable energy to reduce pollution and ensure sustainability appears to be a necessary path. Investment in clean energy, facilities for the acquisition of electric cars and the promotion of public transport, among other measures, are required to achieve a reduction in emissions and the carbon footprint.
Beyond temperature and atmospheric warming, improving air quality is essential to ensure the well-being of the population. Authorities must therefore work in this direction and generate the necessary consensus with large industries, as well as raising awareness among the population on these issues through environmental education . Each individual must opt for responsible consumption and adopt environmentally friendly behaviour, resorting to recycling , appealing to clean technologies, practising ecotourism when travelling, etc.