Global warming

Introduction
Global warming is one of the most alarming and sensitive issues of the past and present decade. It is characteristically defined as an increase in temperature of the atmosphere and water bodies of Earth. Gradually, it is showing drastic effects on its climate. One of the main reasons for this cataclysmic change is the increased amount of emission of greenhouse gases, led by carbon dioxide, which traps the heat in the Earth's atmosphere, making it warm. These greenhouse gases are necessary to keep the temperature of the planet from falling below freezing levels, but an excessive amount of it has had negative effects due to increased retention of heat. The increased amount is mainly due to excessive burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, distorted agricultural practices and destructive human activities. Some call it a hoax, saying it is a periodic phenomenon that happens cyclically over a period of time, but the alarming rise in temperature and the rapid melting of ice caps have got everyone worried of its actual potential.

Current scenario

A lot of evidence suggests that global warming has affected our planet in the worst way possible over the past decade. The amount of carbon dioxide emission has almost doubled and is the highest over the past 800,000 years. This drastic climatic change will be disastrous for natural vegetation, the natural habitat of wildlife, alter the natural crop cycles and will spread diseases. There have been warning signs of an alarming rise in sea-level over the past few years and is threatening a number of coastal lands to be submerged. The climatic change will also turn the planet into a hub for a number of infectious diseases and parasitic infestation. Some places will become too hot and inhabitable, causing a mass migration of people leading to a refugee crisis. A lot of animals are dependent on the Arctic region for its survival, like the arctic birds, the ringed seals, walrus, lemmings, tundra hares, whales, polar bears, muskoxen etcetera and their numbers are dwindling at a faster rate, pushing them closer to the verge of extinction. All these scenarios are not something that should be taken lightly.

How to reduce global warming
Though global warming happens on a broader aspect, you can contribute in bringing down the negative effects of it by addressing its root cause and trying to rectify that. Few methods to reduce global warming as an individual are-

• Say no to deforestation- Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide and gives out fresh oxygen to breathe, therefore, it is apt that an effort is made to save them. Rapid deforestation has become very common now, mainly to convert forests into lands for business profits. You should stand up against this by spreading the idea of the importance of trees and plantations.
• Plant trees- Another way of counteracting deforestation is planting trees wherever possible. The life of every tree is important, so every tree you plant, you are working towards making the planet a better place to live.
• Use the renewable source of energy- There are enough renewable sources of energy around you which can be utilised smartly for various purpose while reducing the need to burn fossil fuels. These fossil fuels emit an increased amount of carbon dioxide which directly contributes to global warming. Renewable resources like wind, solar energy, water etcetera should be harvested efficiently.

• Avoid using vehicles that eject a lot of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Switch to cycles or e-bikes for transport. Use public transport wherever possible.

Quick facts about global warming
• Most of the records of high temperatures have been broken in this century with 2016 being the hottest year after 1880.
• There has been a rise of 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit in the global average temperature from the 20th century.
• The ice coverage over the Arctic sea has reduced by 4.1 percent since 1979.
• Sea levels are increasing at a rate of 3.4 mm per year, highest in the past 2000 years.
• Coral reefs like the Great Barrier Reef in Australia are extremely sensitive to climatic changes. They have been damaged severely due to bleaching leading to the death of almost 2/3rd of its total extent.
• There has been a reduction in pH of ocean water by 0.1, making it acidic.
• Temperature changes are likely to be as high as 6 degrees by 2100.
• 25 to 35 percent of the wildlife is on the verge of being listed as endangered species.

Conclusion: No matter how much you close your eyes and ears and go on with your life, global warming is something that will affect everyone eventually. Being a resident of this planet, it should be your endeavour to save your home from losing its stature of a habitable one and pave a better future for the generations to come. Fight global warming now.