The effects of

Global Warming

By; Jishanth 6a
What Is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the steady rise in Earth’s average

temperature caused mainly by human activities like burning fossil
fuels (coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and pollution. These
activities release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂),
methane, and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, trapping heat.
The Greenhouse Gas Process – How It Works

The greenhouse effect is a process that occurs when gases in Earth's atmosphere trap the Sun's heat. This
process makes Earth much warmer than it would be without an atmosphere.

Just like a real greenhouse, Earth’s atmosphere traps heat. During the day,
sunlight passes through and warms the surface. At night, while it cools
outside, greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane act like the
glass walls of a greenhouse—trapping heat and keeping the planet warm.
These heat-trapping classes are called greenhouse gases.

Here's how it works:

• Solar Energy Enters – Sunlight heats Earth.
• Infrared Radiation Emitted – Earth radiates
heat.
• Heat Trapped – Greenhouse gases (CO₂, CH₄)
absorb and trap this heat.
• Amplified Warming – Human activities overload
the system, intensifying the effect.
Devastating Impacts of Global Warming
• Melting Glaciers and Rising Sea Levels:
Global warming accelerates the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, causing sea
levels to rise dramatically. This leads to the submergence of low-lying coastal areas,
increased flooding, and the erosion of habitats for both wildlife and human
communities.

• More Extreme and Unpredictable Weather:

Climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Prolonged droughts, record-breaking heatwaves, powerful hurricanes, and sudden
floods are becoming more common, putting millions of lives and livelihoods at risk.

• Public Health Threats:

Rising temperatures and poor air quality lead to respiratory illnesses, heat-related
deaths, and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. Vulnerable
populations—such as children, the elderly, and those in developing regions—are
especially at risk.

• Loss of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Collapse:

Many plant and animal species are unable to adapt quickly to the changing climate.
Ecosystems such as coral reefs, rainforests, and Arctic habitats are under threat,
resulting in mass extinction and disrupted food chains.

• Food and Water Insecurity:

Shifting weather patterns affect crop yields and freshwater availability. Droughts and
floods destroy farmland, reduce agricultural productivity, and strain global food
supply chains—raising the risk of hunger and conflict over resources.
Real world consequences
of Global Warming
Real-World Consequences of Global Warming
• Rising Sea Levels:
Coastal cities like Miami and Venice are sinking, with millions facing
displacement as land is overtaken by water.
• Climate Refugees:
People from places like Bangladesh, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa are
fleeing their homes due to flooding, droughts, and extreme weather, creating a
new class of refugees.
• Biodiversity Crisis:
Rapid climate shifts are pushing iconic species like polar bears, koalas, and
coral reefs toward extinction, disrupting ecosystems and food chains.
• Health Risks:
Rising temperatures increase the frequency of heatwaves, leading to more heat-
related deaths and respiratory illnesses. The spread of vector-borne diseases
(e.g., malaria) also accelerates as warmer climates expand the range of disease-
carrying insects.
• Economic Losses:
Agricultural sectors are suffering from extreme weather, leading to crop
failures and rising food prices. Global industries, especially those relying on
natural resources, face mounting costs due to environmental degradation.
Human Response to Global
Warming
What we've done so far:
• Renewable Energy: Countries are shifting to wind, solar, and hydropower to reduce fossil fuel use.
• Global Agreements: The Paris Agreement unites nations to cut carbon emissions.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): Adoption of EVs is growing, reducing reliance on petrol and diesel.
• Reforestation Projects: Trees are being planted to absorb CO₂ and restore ecosystems.
• Waste Reduction: Recycling, bans on plastic, and composting are gaining momentum.
•

What we still need to do:

• Faster Emission Cuts: Stronger laws to reduce CO₂ and methane emissions globally.
• Protect Forests & Oceans: Halt deforestation and protect marine ecosystems that absorb carbon.
• Sustainable Living: Shift to eco-friendly diets, reduce energy use, and support green businesses.
• Climate Education: Spread awareness, especially in schools and communities.
• Climate Justice: Help vulnerable countries and communities adapt to climate change impacts.
Bibliography
Sources I used to make this presentation:
• NASA Climate: climate.nasa.gov
• NOAA: climate.gov
• “The Sixth Extinction” – Elizabeth Kolbert
• The Guardian Environment
• ChatGPT
THANK YOU