In this blog post, we’ll examine the causes and problems of global warming, as well as potential solutions.
Global warming refers to the long-term rise in the Earth’s average temperature. The temperature increase discussed here refers to a sustained change over a long period, not a temporary fluctuation. The Earth has historically cycled through glacial and interglacial periods, and we are currently in an interglacial period. Therefore, while a certain degree of temperature rise is a natural phenomenon, the rate of increase observed over the past 100 years or so is so rapid that it cannot be explained by natural changes alone—a fact that has been highlighted as a major concern. Since natural climate change occurs over long periods of time, ecosystems have time to adapt; however, global warming—which has been artificially accelerated since industrialization—is progressing very rapidly, raising concerns that it will have a significant impact on ecosystems and human society. Some scholars even suggest that if global warming continues, it could threaten the very survival of humanity.
There are various causes of global warming. The primary cause is the excessive increase in greenhouse gases resulting from industrialization. Greenhouse gases act to prevent heat from the sun from escaping back into space, much like a greenhouse traps solar heat inside to maintain its temperature. Major greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, water vapor, and certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. While these greenhouse gases originally played a vital role in maintaining the Earth’s average temperature, when their concentration in the atmosphere becomes excessively high, they cause the Earth’s temperature to rise excessively.
The reason for the significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations is the rapid rise in the use of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, alongside industrial development. As fossil fuels are burned, far greater amounts of carbon dioxide are being emitted into the atmosphere than in the past. Originally, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was in a state of equilibrium, with absorption and release occurring through the atmosphere, the oceans, and plants. Fossil fuels themselves were formed over a long period of time from carbon that had been stored in living organisms millions of years ago. However, the massive use of these fossil fuels over a short period of time is causing the carbon that had been stored for millions of years to be released into the atmosphere all at once. As a result, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are steadily rising, accelerating global warming. Furthermore, the decline in forest cover—which has reduced the number of trees absorbing carbon dioxide—is also cited as a major cause of the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Methane is another major greenhouse gas. Methane is primarily generated through livestock digestion and manure management processes in the livestock industry. As the scale of livestock farming has expanded due to industrialization and population growth, methane emissions have also increased significantly compared to the past.
Some argue that the cause of global warming is not greenhouse gases but changes in solar activity. Some point to the correlation between solar sunspot activity and changes in global temperatures as evidence. However, scientific research to date widely supports the view that the recent rapid climate change is primarily caused by the increase in greenhouse gases resulting from human activities.
As climate change progresses, various risks may arise. As temperatures rise, climate zones gradually shift toward the polar regions, leading to changes in seasons and precipitation patterns. These changes can cause glaciers to melt and accelerate desertification in some areas. Furthermore, the melting of polar glaciers can alter the marine environment and affect atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
The danger of global warming lies not only in rising temperatures but also in rising sea levels. As temperatures rise, glaciers in the polar regions and mountainous areas melt, and thermal expansion of seawater causes sea levels to rise. This can alter precipitation patterns and ocean currents, leading to various extreme weather events. If sea levels rise significantly, low-lying coastal areas and island nations could suffer severe damage.
Recent studies suggest that the super-typhoons, hurricanes, torrential rains, and heat waves occurring in various regions around the world are also linked to climate change. Furthermore, rising temperatures have a major impact on glaciers and polar ecosystems.
Many plant and animal species are facing threats to their survival due to rising temperatures. If species unable to adapt to environmental changes go extinct, the food chain could collapse, causing disruption throughout the entire ecosystem. Although not directly related to global warming, the case of the American bullfrog’s introduction to South Korea—which significantly disrupted the ecosystem’s food chain—also serves as an example of just how important ecological balance is.
Global warming has negative effects not only on the natural environment but also on human health and industry. Powerful typhoons and torrential rains can cause massive industrial damage, while rising temperatures lead to water shortages and sea-level rise. The resulting reduction in arable land could lead to a decline in food production, potentially causing food shortages. Furthermore, research indicates that climate change may alter the scope and patterns of infectious disease outbreaks or increase the likelihood of new infectious diseases emerging.
Currently, countries around the world are making various efforts to slow the pace of climate change. Notably, international cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is taking place, centered on the Paris Agreement, and many countries are pursuing carbon neutrality goals. In particular, several countries, including those in Northern Europe, are actively implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and expand renewable energy. South Korea is also participating in international agreements and promoting policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change. Furthermore, many countries are investing in the development of various energy technologies that can replace fossil fuels.
To respond effectively to climate change, it is important to accurately observe climate change and deepen our understanding of it. Efforts to reduce the causes of global warming must also be undertaken in parallel. In particular, since greenhouse gases remain in the atmosphere for a long time once emitted, reducing emissions from the outset is of the utmost importance. To this end, the development and deployment of various renewable energy sources—such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, ocean, and bioenergy—are expanding. Nuclear power is also considered a low-greenhouse-gas-emission energy source, but various debates continue regarding issues such as safety and waste disposal.
Forest restoration is another effective method for reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As forests expand, they can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. In fact, many countries and cities around the world are promoting urban forest creation and large-scale tree-planting projects. Furthermore, the use of various substances, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that deplete the ozone layer, has been significantly reduced through international regulations. Such international cooperation plays a crucial role not only in addressing climate change but also in protecting the global environment.
Global warming is the phenomenon of a long-term rise in average temperatures near the Earth’s surface. To date, the increase in greenhouse gases caused by human activities is widely accepted as the primary cause. Climate change can cause glaciers to melt and sea levels to rise, leading to various problems such as shifts in seasonal patterns, disruption of ecosystems, and damage to industries. To address this, countries around the world are strengthening international cooperation and continuing various efforts, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding renewable energy, and restoring forests.
