Global warming

Abstract

Global warming' is a phrase that refers to the effect on the climate of human activities, in particular the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and large-scale deforestation, which cause emissions to the atmosphere of large amounts of 'greenhouse gases', of which the most important is carbon dioxide. Such gases absorb infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and act as blankets over the surface keeping it warmer than it would otherwise be. Associated with this warming are changes of climate. The basic science of the 'greenhouse effect' that leads to the warming is well understood. More detailed understanding relies on numerical models of the climate that integrate the basic dynamical and physical equations describing the complete climate system. Many of the likely characteristics of the resulting changes in climate (such as more frequent heat waves, increases in rainfall, increase in frequency and intensity of many extreme climate events) can be identified. Substantial uncertainties remain in knowledge of some of the feedbacks within the climate system (that affect the overall magnitude of change) and in much of the detail of likely regional change. Because of its negative impacts on human communities (including for instance substantial sea-level rise) and on ecosystems, global warming is the most important environmental problem the world faces. Adaptation to the inevitable impacts and mitigation to reduce their magnitude are both necessary. International action is being taken by the world's scientific and political communities. Because of the need for urgent action, the greatest challenge is to move rapidly to much increased energy efficiency and to non-fossil-fuel energy sources.

Root Morphology and Anatomy of Field-Grown Erianthus arundinaceus

“…Reducing dependence on petroleum is, therefore, essential for combating global warming [1]- [3]. Bioethanol produced from plant biomass is a renewable and alternative fuel that can be a countermeasure to global warming when produced in appropriate ways [4] [5].…”

Assessing the temporal variability in extreme storm‐tide time series for coastal flood risk assessment

“…Efficient planning and resource allocation is essential in order to cope with current risk, and the likely increase in risk facing many areas due to rising mean sea levels in the coming century [Houghton, 2005;Meehl et al, 2007;Lowe et al, 2009;Haigh et al, 2011]. Furthermore, due to the temporal lead time required to construct mitigation strategies and flood defenses, an accurate assessment of the spatial and temporal changes to risk (here defined as the product of the probability and consequences of flooding) is vital and imminently required.…”

Validation and Comparison of Carbon Sequestration Project Cost Models with Project Cost Data Obtained from the Southwest Partnership

“…CO 2 is also required as part of photosynthesis, thus a necessary part of the cycle of life on earth. Other common uses for CO 2 Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased exponentially for nearly two hundred years, beginning with the Industrial Revolution being fueled by an increasing demand for energy. Due to climate changes that have been linked to the increase in CO 2 , there has been increased interest worldwide in controlling CO 2 production.…”