Global Warming and Our Collective Responsibility

Global warming refers to the gradual increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the release of greenhouse gases viz. carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor. These emissions act as a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere and disrupting the delicate balance of our climate systems. The upshots of this phenomenon are multifaceted. From the Arctic to the Amazon, ecosystems are under siege, with biodiversity facing unprecedented threats. Increasing ocean levels pose a danger coastlands, exacerbating the regularity and severity of natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Agriculture, the backbone of many societies, faces uncertainties as shifting weather patterns disrupt growing seasons and water availability.

However, possibly the most insidious aspect of global warming is its disproportionate impact. While the developed world bears significant accountability for emissions of greenhouse gases, it is often the developing nations that suffer the most severe consequences. Vulnerable populations, including the poor, elderly, and marginalized communities, face hazards associated with severe weather conditions and environmental degradation. The battle against global warming cannot be overcome by force in isolation, it requires solidarity, cooperation, and a steadfast commitment to protecting our planet and its inhabitants. In the face of uncertainty, let us be guided by the wisdom of collective action and the imperative of stewardship. For only with our combined efforts that we can hope to mitigate the impacts of global warming and forge a path towards a brighter, more resilient future.

Figure – 1  (Image courtesy https://uniteforchange.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Blog-Images2)

Article By,

Dr. Anita Verma, Assistant Professor,

Department of Physics,

Kalinga University, Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India