Global Warming: Causes And Consequences

(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. One of the world's foremost challenges today is climate change. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the Earth's average temperature has risen by 0.8 degrees over the past century.

Additionally, a United Nations report indicates that over the last 150 years, the global average temperature has risen by approximately 1 degree Celsius.

Experts warn that if this trend continues, the Earth's temperature could increase by between 2 and 2.5 degrees by 2050 and potentially reach as high as 6 degrees by 2100.

Several key factors and consequences drive the ongoing rise in the Earth's average temperature, known as global warming.

The primary causes of global warming include:

Human activities: emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases from industrial processes, transportation, and energy production significantly contribute to global warming.

Deforestation: Forests play a critical role in absorbing carbon emissions; as woodlands diminish, more carbon accumulates in the atmosphere.

Agriculture: Certain agricultural practices lead to increased emissions of greenhouse gases, particularly methane and nitrous oxide.

These changes have profound consequences.

Climate change: Global warming results in more variable weather patterns, leading to an increase in extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

Rising sea levels: The melting of glaciers and the warming of ocean waters contribute to rising sea levels, posing significant risks to coastal regions.

Decreased biodiversity: Many species struggle to adapt to the changing climate, which may result in extinction for those unable to cope.

Health problems: Climate change could facilitate the spread of new diseases and create challenges related to food safety.

To address these issues, several preventive measures can be implemented:

Renewable energy: Increasing renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, is essential.

Energy efficiency: Adopting new technologies and methods can help reduce energy consumption across industries and households.

Forest conservation: Initiatives focused on planting and restoring forests can mitigate the worsening of climate issues.

Global initiatives: International agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, are crucial in the worldwide effort to combat warming.

Global warming presents a serious challenge for all nations, necessitating collective action. Individuals, communities, and governments all have roles to play in this critical issue.

Specifically in Azerbaijan, the average annual temperature has risen by between 0.4 and 1.3 degrees Celsius over the past century. In the context of global climate change, Azerbaijan faces various climatic challenges, including floods, avalanches, hurricanes, strong winds, heatwaves, droughts, glacier melting, salinization, soil degradation, desertification, and declining precipitation and water resources. The country has set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2030.

Robust climate policies, improved energy efficiency, and a greater reliance on renewable energy are essential for addressing global warming effectively.

Additionally, developing disaster preparedness plans and raising public awareness are critical components of this effort. Global cooperation and support remain essential in the fight against climate change.

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