Comprehensive Overview on the Present State and Evolution of Global Warming, Climate Change, Greenhouse Gasses and Renewable Energy

Abstract

The impact of the climate and environmental problems experienced in the world with the Industrial Revolution has prominently begun to be felt today, and the consequences of climate change on the environment and public health have now become visible. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions resulting from human activities, which is the main cause of global climate change, caused the global surface temperature to be 1.1 °C higher between 2011 and 2020 compared to 1850–1900. In parallel with this global problem, the transition to clean energy has increased significantly with Russia's invasion of Ukraine, more aggressive energy and climate policies, technological developments, and increasing concerns about energy security. In this study, global climate change indicators, including land and sea surface air temperatures, sea level rise, sea ice extent, ocean heat content, surface humidity, and total column water vapor, are reviewed and updated in parallel with a comprehensive analysis of the progress in renewable energy. The results showed that if no measures are taken to reduce human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, the global average temperature will increase further in the coming years and the negative effects of other climate parameters will be felt even more. It has been emphasized that limiting human-induced global warming requires renewable and sustainable energy sources and net zero CO₂ emissions and that the simultaneous adoption of emission reduction and adaptation strategies will be the most effective economic and technical solution to the global warming problem.