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Global warming: causes, consequences, remedies

Short answer

Global warming is caused by increased greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O, CFCs) from fossil fuel burning, agriculture, and industry trapping infrared radiation. Consequences: glacial melting and sea level rise, extreme weather, crop loss, biodiversity loss, disease spread. Remedies: renewable energy, afforestation, energy efficiency, international agreements.

How is global warming caused due to air pollution? Write the consequences of global warming and its possible remedies.

How global warming is caused

Short-wave solar radiation passes through the atmosphere and warms the earth. The earth re-emits this energy as long-wave infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases absorb part of this infrared and send it back towards the earth, so the lower atmosphere is warmer than it would otherwise be (greenhouse effect). Human activities add more of these gases, so the effect is enhanced.

   Sun
    │ short-wave
    ▼
 ─────────────── GHG layer (CO₂, CH₄ ...)
    ▲     │ absorbs and returns IR
    │ IR  ▼
 =============== Earth surface (warms)
GasMain sources
CO₂ (about 60 % of the effect)Burning of coal, oil, wood; deforestation; cement industry
CH₄Paddy fields, cattle (rumination), landfills, natural gas leaks, wetlands
N₂ONitrogenous fertilisers, burning of biomass, nitric acid industry
CFCsRefrigerators, air conditioners, aerosols, foam
O₃ (troposphere)Photochemical reactions of vehicle exhaust (NOx + hydrocarbons)

Consequences

  • Melting of glaciers and polar ice, and rise of sea level (flooding of coastal regions, island nations). In Nepal, Himalayan glaciers are retreating and glacial lake outburst floods are a threat.
  • Changed rainfall patterns: more floods, droughts, storms and heat waves.
  • Loss of crop yield, food and water shortage; shifting of climatic zones.
  • Extinction of species and loss of biodiversity; coral bleaching.
  • Spread of diseases such as malaria and dengue to new areas.

Possible remedies

  • Reduce use of fossil fuels; use renewable energy (hydro, solar, wind), improve energy efficiency.
  • Afforestation and stopping deforestation (trees absorb CO₂).
  • Use public transport, electric vehicles and biogas.
  • Control methane from landfills and agriculture; reduce use of nitrogen fertiliser.
  • Stop using CFCs; follow international agreements: UNFCCC (1992), Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015).

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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