Question

Discuss the causes and effects of global warming.

Answer 1

An increased concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere results in global warming. Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane and water vapour. These gases trap the radiation released from the earth's surface. This helps keep the planet warm. However, increasing amounts of greenhouse gases cause the earth’s temperature to rise greatly, leading to global warming. Global warming is a result of industrialisation, burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.

The effects of global warming are as follows:
(a) Melting of snow: polar ice caps and mountain snow caps will start melting.
(b) Rise in sea levels: rising sea levels may result in the submergence of many islands and coastal areas.
(c) Climatic changes: Water precipitation will be reduced. Floods and droughts will become common. Tropics and temperate areas will shift 250–600 km polewards.