Global warming

Definition

Global warming is an average increase in global temperature caused by increased concentration of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, etc.) in the atmosphere mainly as a result of expansion of human activity. The effects of global warming are said to be increasingly evident, and the importance of global warming countermeasures is becoming a global movement.

The rise in the Earth's surface temperature caused by global warming has an immense impact on both the natural environment and human life. Scientists around the world assert that warmer temperatures have the potential to cause a rise in the sea level, increase the intensity and frequency of hurricanes and rainfall, produce thermal waves, cause drought, impair ecosystems and water resources, accelerate the spread of malaria and other diseases, and cause food shortages . According to a 2004 press release by the Japan Meteorological Agency, the 1990s was the warmest decade in the last 1,000 years and caused glaciers to retreat, snow coverage to decrease 10% and extreme weather events to occur with greater frequency as well as a substantial economic impact from the resulting damage. The warmer environment is also causing changes on other levels, such as animals from southern areas moving northward and cherry trees blossoming earlier in the year.

Worldwide efforts to prevent global warming are under way *1. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC) was adopted in 1992 and the Kyoto Protocol was ratified in 2005. Business entities are also being required to make efforts to minimize the environmental impact by their business activities and have began establishing environment management systems, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, developing and providing eco-friendly products, offering environmental education, and planting trees. However, global warming is said to be accelerating even faster than expected and more collaborative efforts are needed among nations, regional public organizations, business entities, and individuals.