Why 2022 feels hotter than any year before? And what can you do to help reduce global warming?
In 2022, January and February recorded 6th highest global surface temperature. According to Forbes, UK researchers have stated that 2022 will be one of the hottest on record, with average global temperature about 1.96F over pre-industrial averages. Greenhouse gases are warming our globe at a growing rate according to Met office, UK’s national weather service.
As the world warms up, we are facing extreme events like severe heat waves. Significant drop in global crop yields and direct effect on human health such as increase of sudden deaths, strokes and heart attacks and melting of ice in arctic regions leading to tsunamis, avalanches and rock slides are some of the ill effects of global warming. Knowing all these facts about global warming, naturally one will wonder why 2022 feels hotter than any other year before.
Read on to find out…
According to the World Meteorological Organization, the year 2022 has become the 7th year in a row that the average global temperature rise edged above 1. Despite the cooling forces that operate in some regions such as La Nina events, 2022 shows to be among the world’s hottest years. The main reason behind this climate change is actually caused by humans.
Pacific Northwest 2021 heat wave was one such event that was found to be impossible without human caused climate change. As warming continues, these events will not be rare in the future.
Global warming due to greenhouse effect
Scientists believe that the release of gases which prevent the dissipation of ground heat into space is responsible for global warming. This is known as the greenhouse effect. These gases include carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane, CFC (Chlorofluorocarbons) and nitrous oxide along with water vapor. They are produced by burning fossil fuels such as petroleum and coal for energy, engaging in various industrial and agricultural activities and increased fossil fuel powered transportation. The main culprit behind this is the human. The earth also contributes with natural processes to create greenhouse gases that accelerate global warming.
According to NASA, CO2 is the main gas that is responsible for global warming. Humans exacerbate this by cutting trees and deforestation. Trees that absorb CO2 and release oxygen are steadily decreasing due to this.
What can you do to help reduce Global warming?
-
Planting trees and reforestation – Deforestation is responsible for 15% of the greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. Research has found that a mature tree absorbs as much as 48 pounds of CO2 each year. So even if you plant a single tree, counts.
-
Drive less – You will reduce CO2 emission significantly, if you walk, cycle, car pool or use public transport and reduce driving.
-
Using Zero emission vehicles that are powered by batteries or Hydrogen fuel cells which do not emit greenhouse gases.
Reduce, reuse and recycle – if you recycle your household waste, you can save CO2 emission significantly. You can recycle plastic, polythene, paper, glass and aluminum cans. You can reduce your garbage by reusing items and by purchasing reusable products instead of disposables. By avoiding products with a lot of packaging, you can reduce the waste considerably.
-
Turn off electronic devices – Turn off your TV, stereo, computer and DVD player when you are not using them. This can reduce thousands of pounds of CO2 emission each year.
-
Use less heat and air conditioning – You can reduce the amount of energy you need to heat or cool your home by adding insulation to your walls.
Replace regular light bulbs with CFL (Compact Fluorescent Light) bulbs, as they use less energy and last longer.
Less energy use, makes us depend less on fossil fuels that create greenhouse gases and contribute to Global warming. Knowing that 2022 has been one of the hottest years, it is our responsibility to contribute more towards cooling our Mother Earth.
How does global warming affect us?
Global warming means we will be exposed to more UV rays. It will adversely affect our skin making it prone to sun burns, premature aging and skin cancer. Therefore, we need more protection from the increasing levels of harmful UV rays. How do we get such protection? Using a broad spectrum sun screen is essential.
Covering our bodies with UV protected clothing is another simple way in addition to use of sun screen. The best practices for complete sun protection is to reapply sun screen as required, wear sun protective clothes, hats and sun glasses.
