ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF GLOBAL WARMING

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to analyse the main elements of the system of causes, environmental and socio-economic consequences and actions taken to address global warming. Our planet has always been subject to natural and socio-economic changes. Today, in a globalizing world, the principles of a sustainable natural environment are directly linked to overcoming the geo-global natural-geographical problems posed by the interrelationships of man and nature. We live in a limited space where every thing is connected to another. There is some flexibility in nature, but serious disruptions of its components destabilize its balance. The deteriorating quality of the natural environment through pollution, inappropriate agricultural activities, irrigation projects and the continuous increase in the severity and frequency of natural disasters, such as floods and droughts, are increasing human vulnerability and precarious lifestyles. Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and global ocean that has been occurring over the past two centuries. UN experts estimate that the next increase in global air temperature over the course of the 21st century could reach 1.5°C to 4°C. The current global warming trend is the result of increasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere due to the burning of fossil fuels, agricultural activities and deforestation. This leads to an increase in global average air temperatures. Many of these such as carbon dioxide, methane, oxides of nitrogen, chlorinated fluorocarbons, etc., by transmitting the sun's rays prevent long-wave heat from radiating from the earth's surface. Understanding and predicting the consequences of increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere requires the interconnected study of global changes in the world's ocean, atmosphere, cryosphere, soil, forests and other systems. Among the most dangerous ecological and socio-economic consequences of global warming are the rise in the level of the world ocean, the degradation of permafrost, and the mixing of vegetation zone boundaries. Human civilisation will have to bring about unprecedented changes in the way it consumes energy, travels and builds to slow global warming. This is why a number of international agreements on climate change have been adopted since the 1980s. Drastically and immediately reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change. Air quality benefits would come more quickly, but stabilising global temperatures could take 20-30 years. All this shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate change and its consequences. Stabilising the climate will require strong, rapid and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and achieving zero carbon emissions.