Aligarh: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns across the world have begun to have a profound impact on human life, environment and economy. Global warming and climate change have today become such important issues, which are not limited to scientific debates only, but are directly related to the future of every country, every society and every person. Therefore, it is very important to understand what is the difference between these two, why this is happening and what effects it can have. AMU scientist Saleha Jamal shared important information on this topic.
What is global warming?
Giving information, Associate Professor Saleha Jamal of AMU’s Department of Geography said that both global warming and climate change are interrelated environmental issues. We can call global warming both the cause of climate change and also its effect. Global warming means a continuous increase in the average temperature of the Earth over a long period of time. According to scientists, the average temperature of the Earth has increased by about 1.5°C, the clear effect of which is being seen on the world’s weather patterns.
What is climate change?
Professor Jamal said that on the contrary, climate change is a broader concept. In this, along with changes in temperature, there is disturbance in the rain pattern, at some places there is excessive rain, at some places there is no rain at all. Not only this, abnormal heat or cold and change in wind patterns… such unusual weather events are called climate anomalies.
He said that the main cause of global warming is the increasing amount of greenhouse gases, which mainly include carbon dioxide, water vapor, methane and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). These gases have increased rapidly due to industrialization, increasing urbanization and deforestation. Today the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased many times as compared to the pre-industrial period.
Due to climate change
The causes of climate change can be natural as well as man-made. Human-caused causes include rapid urbanization, industrialization, increasing population, agricultural expansion and deforestation. He further said, ‘The direct effect of global warming comes in the form of increase in temperature and heatwaves. Drought begins in many areas and the balance of weather gets disturbed.
from climate change
The major effects of climate change include rapid melting of glaciers, rise in sea level, sinking of coastal areas, frequent floods, drought at some places, serious impact on agriculture, etc. He said that agriculture is completely dependent on climate. Timing of rain, temperature and weather disturbances directly affect crop production.
international efforts
Professor Saleha says that both these problems have become a big threat to humanity and it is necessary to take immediate action on them. Countries of the world are taking action together on these problems. How to control global temperature is discussed in international forums like COP i.e. Conference of Parties, Paris Agreement and Glasgow COP. The goal is to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, as scientists have warned that if temperatures rise to 2.5°C by the end of this century, it would be a serious threat to humanity.
India is playing an important role
Said that India is also playing an important role in this and has set the target of net-zero. That means, as much carbon will be released into the atmosphere, the same amount will also be absorbed. The government is rapidly increasing renewable energy like solar and wind so that carbon emissions can be reduced. Saleha says that apart from the government, every person can also contribute. Such as do not use unnecessary electricity, save water, use AC only when needed, plant trees and increase environmental awareness. Small steps taken together can create big changes.
