Skip to content

Definition for global warming – what is global warming?

The question about the definition for global warming or in other words "what is global warming" is relatively easy to answer. We hereby lean at the definitions and explanations given in Wikipedia:

Global warming is the observed and projected increases in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. The Earth’s average temperature rose about 0.6° Celsius (1.1° Fahrenheit) in the 20th century, see temperature graphs below.

 

What is global warming: Effects of global warming for last 1'000 years

 

Fig. 1: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 1’000 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/images/b/bb/1000_Year_Temperature_Comparison.png)

 

 

definition for global warming - effects of global warming

 

Fig. 2: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 150 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Instrumental_Temperature_Record_png)

 

 

What is global warming - effects of global warming 25 years
Fig 3: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 25 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/images/a/af/Short_Instrumental_Temperature_Record.png)

 

 

 

Prediction for future temperature increase (global warming predictions)

According to different assumption about the future behaviour of mankind, a projection of current trends as represented by a number of different scenarios gives temperature increases of about 3° to 5° C (5° to 9° Fahrenheit) by the year 2100 or soon afterwards. A 3°C or 5° Fahrenheit rise would likely raise sea levels by about 25 meters (about 82 feet).

 

 

What is global warming: predictions

 

Fig 4: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase until the year 2100 (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Global_Warming_Predictions_png.

 

Further reading:

  • Calculate your personal contribution to global warming (carbon footprint calculator). Will be added to this site about end of January 2007.

 

ΞCarbon dioxide | earth | Global warming