USAID DEC
Global warming is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon driven by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere.
18 pages

Abstract
The primary cause of global warming is the emission of carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases that trap heat from the sun, leading to a rise in global temperatures. This process is accelerated by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land-use changes. The consequences of global warming are far-reaching and varied. Rising temperatures are causing melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leading to sea-level rise and associated coastal erosion and flooding. Changes in precipitation patterns are resulting in more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and storms. Additionally, global warming is altering ecosystems and disrupting the distribution and abundance of plant and animal species. The impacts of global warming are not limited to the environment. Human health is also being affected, with increased risk of heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and the spread of disease. Economic losses are also mounting, with damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism industries. The World Health Organization estimates that between 2030 and 2050, climate change will cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, mainly due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Efforts to mitigate global warming are underway, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the transition to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. The Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015, aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. National and international initiatives are also being implemented to promote climate resilience, adaptation, and disaster risk reduction. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has identified several key strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of global warming. These include the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, the deployment of carbon capture and storage technologies, and the protection and restoration of natural carbon sinks such as forests and wetlands.
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