Identification of Global Warming in the Late 20th Century: Understanding Earth's Changing Climate

During the late 20th century, scientists began to observe a notable trend: the Earth's average surface temperature was increasing at an unprecedented rate. This phenomenon, termed global warming, became a focal point of environmental research and policy discussions worldwide.

The primary cause of global warming is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from the sun and prevent it from escaping back into space—a natural process known as the greenhouse effect. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, and deforestation, have significantly increased the concentration of these gases since the Industrial Revolution.

The consequences of global warming are far-reaching. Rising temperatures contribute to melting ice caps and glaciers, leading to sea-level rise and coastal flooding. Shifts in weather patterns, more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and storms also pose risks to agriculture, water resources, and human health.

Scientists use a variety of methods to monitor and study global warming, including satellite observations, temperature records from weather stations, and climate models. These tools help predict future climate scenarios and inform strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Addressing global warming requires international cooperation, policy interventions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and efforts to transition to sustainable energy sources and practices. It remains a critical challenge of our time, demanding urgent action to safeguard the planet for future generations.

In the late 20th century, scientists observed a significant rise in Earth's average surface temperature, linked predominantly to human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide. This phenomenon, known as global warming, has profound implications for ecosystems and human societies worldwide.

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