In recent years, global temperatures have gradually risen, prompting scientists to analyze extensive data and discover that the average temperature of the 20th century increased by 0.5°C compared to the beginning of the century. This change has led to questions about the 'greenhouse effect.' Some believe it is a result of natural evolution, while others argue it is due to human activities causing the greenhouse effect.
Some scientists suggest that the warming climate of the 20th century may be a continuation of the temperature rise from the Little Ice Age, representing a normal natural phenomenon. Their research indicates that Earth has experienced multiple cycles of warming and cooling throughout its history, with varying durations that influence temperature fluctuations. However, other scientists assert that global warming is primarily caused by human activities leading to the greenhouse effect. Industrial production and vehicle emissions release large amounts of carbon dioxide, and the destruction of forests hampers their ability to absorb CO2, resulting in increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and triggering the greenhouse effect.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has indicated that the rise in carbon dioxide concentration is the main cause of global warming. In the next 100 years, global temperatures could rise by 1.4°C to 5.8°C, leading to severe ecological disasters. Issues such as agriculture, rising sea levels, and freshwater crises may follow, potentially resulting in the extinction of one-quarter of terrestrial plant and animal species.
Despite the prevalence of the greenhouse effect theory, some scientists hold differing opinions. They argue that the Earth is moving toward a cooler and wetter climate, and the changes in temperature do not completely align with the fluctuations in carbon dioxide levels. Additionally, climate change is influenced by Earth's own feedback mechanisms, such as higher temperatures causing oceans to absorb more CO2, extending plant growth cycles, and water vapor reflecting solar radiation. These factors may collectively mitigate the trend of global warming.
