what is global warming?

Global warming is the increase in the average measured temperature of the Earth's atmosphere. The accelerated increases in global temperature, that have been observed since the mid twentieth century, has been attributed "to the observed increase in anthropogenic (man-made) greenhouse gas concentrations" by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Much of what we do in our day to day life results in the release of greenhouse gases. The most prevalent of these activities result in the release of Carbon Dioxide from burning fuels to create heat and energy. The increases of man-made greenhouse gases has led to an enhanced greenhouse effect. This is portrayed in the diagram below:

The Earth receives heat from the Sun and in turn reflects about 30% of this incoming heat. The remaining 70% is absorbed, warming the land, atmosphere and ocean. Heat emitted from the surface of the earth is mostly absorbed in the atmosphere by a combination of six greenhouse gases and clouds, and therefore does not escape directly to space. An increase in these greenhouse gases result in an increase in the heat absorbed in the Earth's atmosphere, and therefore an increase in temperature.

Some of the negative potential side-effects of increasing global temperature include:

• rises in sea level



• increases in the intensity of extreme weather events



• significant changes to the amount and pattern of precipitation; which could lead to an expanse of tropical areas and increased pace of desertification

These changes could then potentially result in changes to agricultural yields, modifications of trade routes, glacier retreat, species extinctions and increases in the ranges of disease vectors.

Valpak's Carbon Calculator is now live and open to all packaging compliance members. Please click here to join (please note you will require your unique login details to access the registration page). Alternatively if you would like more information before joining please contact a technical advisor on 08450 682 572 or email info@valpak.co.uk