How Global Warming is Slowing Earth's Rotation: Effects of Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

Do you know that the earth's speed is slowed by 1.3 milliseconds due to melting polar ice? Do you know why greenhouse gases are responsible for this daytime rise? Do you know why global temperature causing extreme heat waves and flood disasters worldwide?

Effects of Greenhouse Gases on the Environment

Melting polar ice, rise in the global temperature, and increased sea level are the indicators of climate change. Atmospheric concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases have reached record highs. According to the climate statement published by the World Meteorological Organization in 2024, the levels of Carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide have increased respectively by 150%, 264%, and 124% of pre-industrial levels.

These gases have enveloped the earth causing the trapping of heat. This has resulted in a rise in global temperature. This phenomenon is popularly termed as ‘Global Warming’.

Global Temperature Rise Due to Climate Change

Also, the global annual mean near-surface temperature in 2023 was approximately 1.45 0 C above the pre-industrial average. This is causing extreme heat waves in several parts of the world.

Sea Level Rise Due to Global Warming

In 2023, the Global Mean Sea Level (GMSL) continued to increase, and the estimated rise is noted by approximately 3.43 mm per year. The rate of sea-level rise has more than doubled in the decade. This is a red alert for the people, who are living in low-lying coastal areas.

Melting of Polar Ice Making Days Longer

Polar ice covers around 10% of the globe. Also, it supplies 70% of total freshwater. Unfortunately, these polar regions are shrinking due to increasing global temperature.

When these polar ice and glaciers melt, the water goes from the poles to the equatorial regions. This is called pole-to-equator mass flux. This results in the bulging of the earth slightly at the equator. This increases inertia and reduces the rotation of the world. It increases the time to complete a rotation and thus increases the day. Based on the study, it is seen that the speed of the earth is slowed by 1.3 milliseconds per century.

Pollution is the major factor behind these global changes. It has become necessary to take serious steps to reduce the pollution level. Awareness and implementation of Environment-Protection Laws and Pollution Laws should be done strictly. Government bodies, Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs), and citizens should work together to keep the environment clean and make this earth a beautiful place to live.