In the past, we would recognize determined regions of the globe Earth through their temperatures. Now, the planet seems to be undergoing transformations never seen before. It was believed that it took millennia for the climate to change; however, the last few years highlight an unusual climatic improvisation. In the words of NASA, “the Earth is trapping unprecedented heat;” this suggests a major imbalance in the temperature of the planet.
According to the study conducted by NASA in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Earth is retaining twice as much heat now as it did in the early 2000s.
Why is the Earth warmer?
According to this research, the key lies in the assessment of the planet’s energy imbalance. This refers to measuring the energy entering and leaving the Earth’s atmosphere through satellite sensors (CERES method). Also, using a global network of floats that measure the energy in the ocean (Argo method). It was through these systems that it was discovered that the Earth retains more energy it releases.
If energy remains on the planet, then it becomes natural for it to warm up. The measurement systems prove there is an energy imbalance of the Earth, which is twice as high as it was in 2005.
NASA/NOAA
The causes of the energy imbalance
Unfortunately, the causes of the massive warming are familiar to us. Scientists point to natural causes mixed with human activities. The planet indeed goes through cycles with different transformations, but humans have driven certain phenomena.
For example, greenhouse gas emissions. It is well known that anthropogenic activities produce emissions that prevent heat from escaping into the atmosphere. We know that this causes direct variations on snow, ice, clouds, and thus the entire climate chain, but they continue to rise.
There is also the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a natural pattern of climate transformation in the Pacific Ocean. It produces a phenomenon known as El Niño, which moves from cold to warm phases exacerbating the energy imbalance.
“It is excess energy that is being absorbed by the planet, so it will mean more increases in temperatures and more melting of snow and sea ice, leading to sea level rise […]” -Norman Loeb author of the study.
Visible effects and those that are still invisible
Accelerated global warming will produce changes. The effects start with the alteration of atmospheric circulations and result in events such as severe droughts, heavy rains, floods, marine acidification, freezing temperatures, and heatwaves.
Recently, the Northern-United States and Canada have been experiencing historically warm temperatures, especially for people living in the Pacific Northwest. Experts report that these areas are enclosed in a “heat dome,” a rare phenomenon.
Weathermodels.com
Temperatures have doubled in the last decade, and everything is related to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Also, Argentina is under a polar cold wave alert, temperatures that are not common in these areas.
If we do not want to become accustomed to drastic climatic phenomena, then human actions will have to be transformed. We know that the planet will survive, but this is about ensuring our survival.
Text courtesy of Ecoosfera
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