Global Warming and Extreme Climate Events
Overview
Global warming, primarily caused by human activities, leads to an increase in Earth’s average surface temperature. It triggers extreme weather events, alters ecosystems, and impacts global climate patterns. Key questions include its origin, primarily from the industrial revolution, its primary cause being greenhouse gas emissions, its ongoing nature, and the main event being the continuous rise in global temperatures.
Recent News
A recent study has shown that extreme rainfall is increasing exponentially with global warming, predicting more frequent catastrophic floods if greenhouse emissions are not curbed. This is critical as countries meet for the COP28 summit, focusing on limiting long-term warming (Phys.org, 27 Nov 2023).
Timeline
- Industrial Revolution (late 1700s): Beginning of significant greenhouse gas emissions.
- 1979: First World Climate Conference, acknowledging climate change.
- 1992: Establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
- 2015: Adoption of the Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming.
Arguments For Addressing Global Warming
- Reduction in extreme weather events.
- Preservation of ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Health benefits from reduced air pollution.
- Economic benefits from renewable energy investments.
Arguments Against Addressing Global Warming
- Economic costs of transitioning to renewable energy.
- Disruption of current industrial and economic systems.
- Geopolitical challenges in global cooperation.
- Uncertainty in climate change models and predictions.
Key Data
- Global temperature rise projection of 2.5-2.9°C above pre-industrial levels without increased climate action (UN News, 20 Nov 2023).
- 28% emission reduction needed for 2°C rise limit; 42% for 1.5°C (UN News, 20 Nov 2023).
- 22 Gigatonnes excess emission projected by 2030 compared to the 1.5°C limit (UN News, 20 Nov 2023).
- Exponential increase in extreme rainfall with global warming (Phys.org, 27 Nov 2023).