SSC CGL Preparation – Day 18

Environment – Global Warming

---

🌍 1. Introduction to Global Warming

Global Warming refers to the long-term rise in the Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere.

It is a major environmental issue affecting ecosystems, sea levels, agriculture, and human health.

---

🌡️ 2. Causes of Global Warming

Cause	Explanation
Greenhouse Effect	Gases like CO₂, CH₄, N₂O trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere
Burning of Fossil Fuels	Coal, oil, and gas emit CO₂ and methane during combustion
Deforestation	Reduces CO₂ absorption by trees
Industrial Emissions	Factories emit pollutants including CO₂ and N₂O
Agricultural Activities	Paddy fields and livestock release methane; fertilizers emit nitrous oxide
Waste and Landfills	Anaerobic decomposition produces methane

---

🏭 3. Major Greenhouse Gases

Gas	Sources	Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)	Fossil fuels, deforestation	1 (reference gas)
Methane (CH₄)	Livestock, rice paddies, landfills	~25 times CO₂
Nitrous Oxide (N₂O)	Fertilizers, burning biomass	~298 times CO₂
CFCs & HFCs	Refrigerants, aerosols	Very high (1000–10,000 times CO₂)

---

🌐 4. Effects of Global Warming

Area Affected	Effects
Climate	Heatwaves, irregular monsoon, extreme weather
Glaciers & Ice Caps	Melting of polar ice, rise in sea levels
Oceans	Warming, acidification, coral bleaching
Ecosystems	Habitat loss, extinction of species
Agriculture	Crop failure, droughts, food insecurity
Health	Spread of diseases, heat stress, air pollution impacts
Sea Level Rise	Coastal erosion, flooding of low-lying areas

---

📊 5. India-Specific Impacts

• Himalayan glaciers like Gangotri and Siachen are receding
• Monsoon becoming unpredictable
• Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata are vulnerable to sea-level rise
• Frequent heatwaves in North India
• Water stress in agricultural belts

---

🌱 6. Measures to Control Global Warming

✅ At International Level

Treaty/Protocol	Details
Kyoto Protocol (1997)	First binding treaty to cut emissions (Developed countries only)
Paris Agreement (2015)	Keep global temperature rise well below 2°C
Montreal Protocol	Focused on ozone-depleting substances (e.g., CFCs)
COP Summits (UNFCCC)	Annual climate negotiations between 190+ countries

🇮🇳 India’s Initiatives

Scheme/Action	Objective
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)	Covers 8 missions (solar, water, energy efficiency, etc.)
International Solar Alliance (ISA)	Promotes solar energy, HQ in India
Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT)	Market-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency
Faster Adoption of Electric Vehicles (FAME)	Reduces transport emissions

---

⚠️ 7. Recent Developments (Important for SSC CGL)

• India pledged Net Zero emissions by 2070 (COP26, Glasgow)
• LiFE Movement – Lifestyle for Environment (promotes sustainable living)
• India installed over 170 GW of renewable energy by 2023
• National Hydrogen Mission launched to promote green hydrogen

---

🧠 Key Facts to Remember

• Global warming is mainly due to greenhouse gases
• Paris Agreement is a non-binding treaty
• Methane is 25 times more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas
• India is the 3rd largest emitter of CO₂ (after China and USA)
• Green India Mission promotes afforestation

---

📌 Likely SSC CGL Questions

• What are the major greenhouse gases?
• What is the Paris Agreement?
• What is India’s Net Zero target year?
• What does the Montreal Protocol deal with?
• What is the main cause of sea-level rise?