What is global warming definition

The Greenhouse Gases Causing Global Warming A building mostly made of glass for growing or sheltering delicate plants is called a greenhouse. The glass walls of the greenhouse allow sun rays to pass through to the interior. However, reflected back infrared rays are not allowed to escape through the glass walls. Carbon dioxide gas and water vapours present inside the glasshouse further trap the heat and make the greenhouse warmer than the outside air. The atmosphere covers’ the Earth and acts similar to the glass walls of a greenhouse. The air cover allows solar radiation to pass through it to the Earth’s surface but prevents the long-wave infrared radiation (which is reflected back from Earth) to escape into space. Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO 2), methane (CH 4), ozone (O 3), nitrogen oxide (N 2O), and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are called greenhouse gases (GHGS). Among them, CO 2 is the most important greenhouse gas. Burning of fossil fuels in homes, industries, automobiles, burning associated with agricultural practices, deforestation, etc., all such practices are increasing levels of CO 2 and CH 4 in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases (mainly carbon dioxide and methane) trap the heat (infrared radiation) reflected by the Earth. This heating up of the atmosphere leads to an increase in Earth’s temperature. This phenomenon is called global warming or the greenhouse effect. These gases are radiatively active, i.e., they allow the solar radiations to pass through th...

An increase in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increase great enough to cause changes in the global climate. The Earth has experienced numerous episodes of global warming through its history, and currently appears to be undergoing such warming. The present warming is generally attributed to an increase in the greenhouse effect , brought about by increased levels of greenhouse gases, largely due to the effects of human industry and agriculture. Expected long-term effects of current global warming are rising sea levels, flooding, melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, fluctuations in temperature and precipitation, more frequent and stronger El Niños and La Niñas, drought, heat waves, and forest fires. See more at greenhouse effect.