According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Earth’s surface temperature has increased by 0.6°C over the past 100 years.
Although that rise may seem minor, it has had a serious impact on the issue of global warming. If this trend continues, it will undoubtedly pose a significant threat to human life.
Curious about how global warming happens and what we can do to reduce the risks? Let’s find out here.
What Is Global Warming?
Global warming refers to the rise in the Earth’s average surface temperature. Scientists have concluded that the main cause of global warming is the greenhouse effect (GHE).
According to a European Commission report, the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere in 2020 had increased by 48% compared to pre-industrial levels before 1750.
These gases are produced mainly from burning fossil fuels like oil and coal. The situation is worsened by human activities such as deforestation and forest burning.
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How Does Global Warming Happen?
Here’s a breakdown of how global warming occurs and the factors that contribute to it:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In essence, any human activity involving the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, or large-scale industrial operations leads to the release of carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane, and other gases.
While these gases don’t directly heat the planet, they intensify the greenhouse effect, which leads to global warming.
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The Greenhouse Effect and Heat Trapping
Earth’s atmosphere plays a crucial role in maintaining a stable temperature through the natural greenhouse effect.
When sunlight reaches Earth as shortwave radiation, the planet’s surface absorbs and re-emits it as longwave (infrared) radiation back into space.
Greenhouse gases absorb some of this infrared radiation and then re-radiate it back to Earth’s surface, helping keep the planet warm.
Unfortunately, when greenhouse gas concentrations rise excessively, more heat gets trapped in the atmosphere, causing Earth’s temperature to gradually rise—this is what we know as global warming.
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The Impacts of Global Warming
The effects of global warming are far-reaching and impact many aspects of life on Earth. Here are some of the most notable consequences:
- Melting glaciers, rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency of flooding.
- More unpredictable weather patterns, such as irregular rainfall. As a result, animals and plants struggle to adapt, leading to rapid and widespread changes in ecosystems.
- Increased rainfall can make it easier for waterborne diseases to spread.
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The Role of LNG in Reducing the Impact of Global Warming
Considering the negative impacts of global warming, it’s clear that we need to transition to cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
One such alternative is LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas)—a cleaner-burning fossil fuel that can help mitigate the effects of global warming.
Although LNG isn’t a zero-emission fuel, it produces significantly less CO₂ compared to oil or coal.
It also emits fewer air pollutants, which can help improve air quality and reduce the environmental effects of global warming.
Proper management and use of LNG can play a key role in the energy transition and in decreasing our dependence on non-renewable fuels that contribute to global warming.
