Research article on global warming

Global Warming: A Growing Problem of the Present-Day World

Rojina Basnet, Department of Environmental Engineering

Abstract

Global warming is the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's surface due to human activity. This article reviews its causes, effects and possible solutions, using reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). It shows that the burning of fossil fuels is the main cause and that the global temperature has risen by about 1.1 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level. The effects include melting glaciers, rising seas, extreme weather and risks to food and health. Mountainous countries such as Nepal are especially vulnerable. The article recommends reducing emissions, adapting to the change, and international cooperation.

Keywords: global warming, climate change, greenhouse gases, glaciers, Nepal

Introduction

The Earth is warmed by the sun, and certain gases in the atmosphere, called greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide), trap some of this heat. This natural greenhouse effect makes life possible. But human activities have increased the amount of these gases and so raised the temperature, a process known as global warming. It is now one of the greatest problems facing humankind.

Causes

1. Burning of coal, oil and gas for electricity, transport and industry.
2. Deforestation, which reduces the absorption of carbon dioxide.
3. Agriculture, especially livestock and rice fields, which produce methane.
4. Industrial gases, and waste decomposing in landfills.

According to the IPCC (2023), human activities have raised the global surface temperature by about 1.1 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 level.

Effects

• Melting ice and rising seas: glaciers and polar ice are melting, and rising seas threaten coastal cities and islands.
• Extreme weather: heatwaves, floods, droughts and stronger storms are becoming more frequent.
• Food and water: crop yields and water supplies are affected.
• Health and ecosystems: diseases spread to new areas, and many species are in danger.
• Nepal: the Himalayan glaciers are shrinking, increasing the risk of glacial lake outburst floods and landslides and changing monsoon patterns, even though the country contributes very little to global emissions.

Solutions

1. Shift to renewable energy such as solar, wind and hydro, and use energy efficiently.
2. Protect forests and plant trees.
3. Promote public transport and electric vehicles.
4. Reduce waste and adopt sustainable farming.
5. Follow international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, and help poor countries with finance and technology.
6. Educate people and encourage a low-carbon lifestyle.

Conclusion

Global warming is real, caused largely by humans, and already affecting the world. Its seriousness requires immediate action by governments, industries and individuals. The sooner emissions are cut, the less damage future generations will suffer.

References

• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (2023). Climate change 2023: Synthesis report. IPCC. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/
• Government of Nepal, Ministry of Forests and Environment. (2020). Second nationally determined contribution (NDC). https://unfccc.int