There are different kinds of pollution that contribute to global warming. In general, any substance that people introduce into the atmosphere that has a damaging effect on the environment and to living things is considered air pollution.
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is widely considered to be a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants and other human activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. It is the main pollutant that is warming earth.
Another greenhouse gas that has a deteriorating effect on the earth’s ozone layer is methane. This is released from sources such as swamps and the gas emitted by livestock. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) once used in refrigerators and aerosol propellants have now been banned due to the pollution associated with using them.
Another pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur dioxide, a component of smog.
It is known to be the primary cause of acid rain. Industrialized countries have been working towards reducing the levels of sulfur dioxide, smog and the smoke they produce. As a result, however, there is evidence to suggest that the lower sulfur dioxide levels may actually be making global warming worse. Reducing the amount of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere lets more sunlight through, warming the earth and this effect is made worse when levels of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the additional heat.
The effects of climate changes are significant and can be seen in the UK and around the world. UK temperatures, including those of British coastal waters, have already risen. Globally, continuing global warming means that extreme weather events such as severe floods, droughts and tropical storms are likely to become more frequent and dangerous. All of which have a negative impact on humans, animals and plants.
As temperatures increase and rainfall patterns change many animals and plant species around the world will be threatened. For instance, some species might be unable to adapt quickly enough and 30% of land-living species are at risk of extinction, should temperatures continue to increase. Crop yield is expected to drop a lot in Africa, the Middle East and India. Water availability for irrigation and drinking will be less predictable due to the variations in rainfall. There is also the risk that salt from rising sea levels may contaminate underground fresh water supplies in coastal areas.
The costs involved in climate change are expected to be huge. The Association of British Insurers estimates that UK households will see a continued increase in insurance costs due to extreme weather events.