Global warming is primarily a problem of too much carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere—which acts as a blanket, trapping heat and warming the planet. As we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and natural gas for energy or cut down and burn forests to create pastures and plantations, carbon accumulates and overloads our atmosphere.

The main reasons for global warming are:

1. Forestry – Loss of forest cover leads to increase in the proportion of CO2 in the atmosphere.
2. Agriculture – Unsustainable agricultural practises using harmful fertilizers release greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. Forest land converted to agricultural land causes loss of forest cover which in turn increases the concentration of greenhouse gasses.
3. Industry – Industrial smoke and effluents contain large number of greenhouse gasses.
4. Residential and commercial buildings – Daily commodities used by offices, schools and homes also contribute to the greenhouse effect.
5. Waste and wastewater – Wastes from homes, industries and office spaces also contribute to the greenhouse effect.
6. Transport – Fossil fuels are burnt in the transport industry contributing to the greenhouse effect.

The following are the effects of global warming.

i. Weather patterns: Global warming results in hot, dry and oppressive weather conditions.  Average temperature rises and causes various problems for human and animal life.

ii. Health: Heat waves, heat strokes due to heating of the earth kills many people. Sudden changes in temperatures might affect people’s skins and body health.

iii.Wildlife: Many animals like polar bears and temperature sensitive species are not able to survive the changes in weather conditions. Some of these animals are also on the verge of extinction or vulnerability.

iv. Glaciers & sea levels: Global warming results in the melting of polar ice caps and rising levels of seas and water bodies. This leads to submergence of coastal areas and regular floods.