Global Warming | zeroCO2 Glossary

Global Warming

Global warming is the phenomenon whereby global surface temperatures rise due to the accumulation in the atmosphere of greenhouse gases such as CO2 and methane. These gases trap part of the solar radiation that reaches the Earth and are reflected back, thus retaining heat and causing the temperature on the Earth’s surface to rise.

Important notes on global warming

Human activities, such as the use of fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main causes of global warming;
Global warming has cascading effects on the environment, including melting polar ice, rising sea levels, changes in weather patterns and ocean acidification;
The 2015 Paris Agreement set the goal of limiting the global average temperature increase to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. We are not on the good track to achieve this goal.

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Global warming is a serious threat to our planet. Rising global temperatures adversely affect biodiversity, causing the loss of habitats and the extinction of many species. It also triggers more frequent and intense extreme weather events such as heat waves, storms and prolonged droughts.
An increase of 1°C or 2°C may seem trivial if out of context. Think about what the same increase does to the human body.
To tackle global warming, greenhouse gas emissions must be drastically reduced through a transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. At the same time, it is crucial that efforts are made to adapt to ongoing climate change by protecting and restoring natural ecosystems that play a key role in mitigating the effects of global warming.