Throughout its long history, the earth has warmed and cooled time and again. Climate has changed when the planet received more or less sunlight due to subtle shifts in its orbit, as the atmosphere or surface changed, or when the Suns energy varied. But in the past century, another force has started to influence Earths climate: humanity.
Global warming is the unusually rapid increase in Earths average surface temperature over the past century primarily due to the greenhouse gases released by people burning fossil fuels. Earth has experienced climate change in the past without help from humanity. But the current climatic warming is occurring much more rapidly than past warming events.
Models predict that as the world consumes ever more fossil fuel, greenhouse gas concentrations will continue to rise, and Earths average surface temperature will rise with them.
Based on plausible emission scenarios, average surface temperatures could rise between 2C and 6C by the end of the 21st century. Some of this warming will occur even if future greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, because the Earth system has not yet fully adjusted to environmental changes we have already made.
The impact of increased surface temperatures is significant in itself. But global warming will have additional, far-reaching effects on the planet. Warming modifies rainfall patterns, amplifies coastal erosion, lengthens the growing season in some regions, melts ice caps and glaciers, and alters the ranges of some infectious diseases. Some of these changes are already occurring.
Here is a list of simple things that everyone can do in order to fight against and reduce the global warming phenomenon
Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb. Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner. Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases. Do not leave appliances on standby. Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly. Insulate and weatherise your home.
Recycle your organic waste. Reuse your shopping bag. Reduce waste. Plant a tree. Buy fresh foods instead of frozen. Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible.
FAYEZA ANUM
Lahore
