Main reason for global warming is the excessive green house effect. What is Global warming? How it has happened? The problem is that human activity is making the blanket of gases ‘thicker’ which enhances the greenhouse effect. The research shows that the main culprit was CO2 emissions, produced by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, gas, and oil) in factories and power stations, and cars. When we burn coal, oil, and natural gas, we spread huge amounts of CO2 into the Earth’s atmosphere filling it up with large amounts of greenhouse gases, much much more than what is okay. Our other basic activities, such as raising cattle and planting rice, emit methane, nitrous oxide, and other greenhouse gases. Other reasons are pollution by heavy vehicles which release heat along with harmful gases. Wars and bomb explosions also are other causes. This further enhances the warming within atmosphere. But they are minor compared to deforestation.
When we destroy forests, the carbon stored in the trees escapes to the atmosphere, in the forms of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or carbon soot. If emissions continue to grow at current rates, it is almost certain that atmospheric levels of CO2 will double from pre-industrial levels during the 21st century. If no steps are taken to slow down greenhouse gas emissions, it is quite possible that levels will triple by the year 2100. While carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere just before the industrial revolution (1750 – 1800) was about 280 ppm (parts per million), has presently crossed 400 ppm. Beyond 450 ppm means serious ecological and economical damage according to scientists. Global warming is already altering the habits, migration and breeding of animals, which eventually affect humans. Due to global warming, the level of the sea is expected to increase by 1 to 1.5 meters during next 4 to 5 years as per opinion of the scientists. Two islands, Tebua Tarawa and Abanuea of Kiribati which have already sunk beneath the waves during 1999 were the first victims of rising seas brought about by Global warming. There are many other effects being seen as direct results of global warming including climatic changes.
