Värmeökning

Värmeökning, also known as global warming, refers to the long-term rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate system, an aspect of climate change shown by temperature measurements and by multiple effects of the warming. The global temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century, with the last decade being the warmest on record. The primary cause of varmeökning is the increase in greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, primarily due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture.

The effects of varmeökning are widespread and significant, including rising sea levels, more frequent and severe heatwaves, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. These changes impact ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human health. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures are projected to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius between 2030 and 2052, with even more severe impacts.

Mitigation efforts to address varmeökning involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitions to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting reforestation and other nature-based solutions. Adaptation strategies aim to help communities and ecosystems cope with the impacts of climate change, such as developing early warning systems for extreme weather events and implementing climate-resilient infrastructure.

International efforts to tackle varmeökning are coordinated through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), with nations agreeing to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and pursuing efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the current national pledges fall short of meeting these goals, highlighting the need for more ambitious and coordinated action.