The Effects of Global Warming And Its Causes

By: Jose, Glenn, Galvin, Astrid, Celestine, Gwen || XI Soc 2

1. Introduction
1.1 Global warming is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing the world
today. It refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature, primarily caused by human
activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial/vehicle pollution. These
actions release large amounts of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), into the
atmosphere, trapping heat and disrupting the planet’s climate.

The consequences of global warming are already visible and alarming. Rising
temperatures will eventually lead to melting ice caps, higher sea levels, and more extreme
weather events, including heatwaves, storms, and also droughts. Ecosystems are also affected,
with many animal and plant species struggling to survive in changing conditions. If this trend
continues, it will threaten food security, water supplies, and human health worldwide.

Understanding the causes and effects of global warming is crucial for finding solutions.
By reducing emissions, switching to renewable energy, and protecting forests, we can slow down
climate change. This essay will explore the major causes of global warming and its serious
impacts on our planet.

2. Background
Scientists agree that global warming is caused mainly by human activity. Specifically, the
evidence shows that certain heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide for example, are
warming the world and that we release those gases when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil, and
gas. As scientific models and methods grow more sophisticated, and as we collect more data, our
confidence in human-caused climate change only grows higher. It shows that the number of CO₂
is growing every year, from 300-320 CO₂ to around 400-420 CO₂ that have been emitted to the
earth’s atmosphere, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists, 2021.
 3. Issue and Evidence
Human activities are the primary drivers of climate change. Burning fossil fuels for
electricity, heat, and transportation produces most global emissions, with over 75% of power still
coming from coal, oil, and gas, according to the UN. Manufacturing, deforestation, and
agriculture also release greenhouse gases, while transportation, especially cars and trucks,
contributes nearly a quarter of energy-related CO₂ emissions. Buildings consume half of global
electricity, increasing emissions from heating, cooling, and appliances. Food production,
including livestock and land use, adds significant methane and CO₂. Excessive consumption,
particularly by wealthier populations, worsens the problem. Shifting to renewables, sustainable
practices, and responsible consumption can help reduce these impacts.

Rising global temperatures are making heatwaves more frequent, with the last decade
(2011-2020) being the hottest on record. This intensifies wildfires, melts Arctic ice twice as fast
as global averages, and threatens health. Warmer oceans fuel stronger hurricanes and cyclones,
while increased evaporation worsens floods and droughts, expanding deserts and triggering
sandstorms. Sea levels are rising as oceans absorb 90% of excess heat, endangering coastal
communities. Acidification from absorbed CO₂ kills marine life, including vital coral reefs.
Climate change accelerates extinctions, with 1 million species at risk as habitats disappear. Food
production suffers from droughts, heat stress, and ocean changes, increasing global hunger.
Health risks grow through pollution, disease spread, and extreme weather, claiming around 13
million lives yearly. Climate disasters displace 23 million people annually, pushing vulnerable
populations deeper into poverty. These interconnected crises demand urgent action to protect
ecosystems and human well-being.

Ocean acidification results from the seas absorbing a large amount of carbon dioxide
(CO₂) when atmospheric concentrations grow. Corals, mollusks, and certain plankton species are
among the creatures with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons that are adversely affected by this
chemical shift in saltwater. The loss of coral reefs, which are vital habitats for many marine
species, endangers biodiversity and the means of subsistence for people that rely on tourism and
fishing.
 Decrease in biodiversity. Global warming is one of the main causes of biodiversity loss.
As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, many animals struggle to adapt to their new
environment. Vulnerable species become extinct as a result of habitat destruction and climate
change. Ecosystems lose resilience and their capacity to perform essential tasks like pollination,
water purification, and carbon storage when biodiversity is lost.

Lack of water. Climate change also includes water scarcity in many regions due to altered
precipitation patterns and increased evaporation rates. Droughts are becoming increasingly
frequent and severe than ever, affecting freshwater resources for agriculture, sanitation, and
drinking. This shortage can negatively impact agricultural production and public health and
result in disputes over water resources, especially in regions where geopolitical tensions are
already present.

4. Reason and purpose

The discussion on global warming and its far-reaching consequences is more critical
now than ever before. The reason why we make this essay is to raise awareness among people
worldwide who may not fully understand the seriousness of its causes and effects. Many
individuals, communities, and even nations remain unaware of how their daily actions contribute
to climate change or how rising global temperatures are already disrupting ecosystems, weather
patterns, and human livelihoods. By shedding light on the root causes, such as greenhouse gas
emissions, deforestation, industrial pollution, and excessive fossil fuel consumption, we aim to
educate people on how human activities accelerate global warming. At the same time, we must
also highlight the devastating effects, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, loss of
biodiversity, and threats to food and water security. These impacts are not distant possibilities;
they are happening now, affecting millions of lives across the globe.

But awareness is insufficient on its own. Beyond merely educating, we also work to offer
workable solutions that governments, communities, and individuals may use to slow down global
warming. Every action matters, whether it be through waste reduction, reforestation, sustainable
energy use, or policy reforms. We can all work together to lessen the negative consequences of
global warming and create a better, more sustainable planet for coming generations if enough
people take action to be environmentally responsible.