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Definition For Global Warming
The term 'global warming' has made headlines for the past few years. While this theory has been widely accepted by most scientists and the general public, it still remains a bit hard to define. What is the actual definition for global warming? Surprisingly, the definition is quite simple. To quote the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, global warming is: 'an increase in earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting from pollution.' This simple statement sums up a very complex process that is still not fully understood by the scientific community.
For example, according to the definition of global warming, earth and ocean temperatures should be warming. However, certain areas are warming faster than others are and some areas are not warming at all. While the Greenland ice sheets are shrinking, others are growing. Global warming seems to be less global and more selective than most scientists had expected.
Still, the results of the global process of warming can certainly be seen. The Antarctic ice sheets continue to breakup and melt at an alarming rate, while Greenland is well into the melting stage. The results of this melting will be higher sea levels and the possible disruption of the Gulf Stream, which is responsible for bringing warm equatorial waters north to areas such as England, which would otherwise have a much colder environment.
Global warming is also responsible for fears of famine, drought and flood that are affecting the population of the world. A few degrees in temperature change can bring catastrophic flooding to areas where little rainfall occurs traditionally. Other areas will experience far less rain than normal, resulting in drought and famine. Understanding the definition of global warming is more than important - it can help you understand how you can make a difference in this growing trend. Industrialized nations, such as the US, China, the UK, Russia and numerous other countries should certainly shoulder the bulk of responsibility for reversing these alarming trends while there is still time to do so.
However, such change must come from the populous, rather than from a government edict. When you understand the definition of such warming on a global scale, it becomes easier to see that changes need to be made on the lowest levels. Even a simple act such as changing out old, inefficient lighting or using reusable grocery bags can have an immense impact.