Climate change or global warming is a major cause of concern that is causing irreparable damage to our environment. It refers to the rise in temperature on earth’s surface, which is primarily caused due to the use of fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases have heat trapping abilities, which raise the temperature of the earth’s surface. Rising temperature has serious effects on the ecosystem. It results in rising sea level, severe weather events, destruction of various natural habitats etc. A small portion of the incoming solar radiation is trapped by a delicate balance of gases in our atmosphere. This layer of gases acts as an insulation, keeping our earth warm. Without it, the earth would just be a frozen rock without any ability to support life. Human activities like burning of fossil fuels and cutting down of trees release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, disturbing the delicate balance. The atmosphere presently contains 42% more carbon dioxide than it did before the industrial era. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere has resulted in a thick blanket trapping all the heat. This leads to extreme climatic changes. The earth’s average temperature has increased by 1.4 degree Fahrenheit in the last century and is expected to rise by 11.5 degree Fahrenheit over the next century. Though the increase might not seem high, however, even a small increase in the earth’s temperature will have drastic effects on all beings. In 2010, nearly 34 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide was produced in the world. Many countries have set carbon reduction pledges for 2020. 2014 recorded the highest temperatures for land and ocean surfaces among all the years since 1880. The melting of the polar ice caps due to warmer climate has led to a rise in sea levels. The average global sea level is expected to riseby723 inches before the end of this century, which is dangerous, as more than half of the world’s population lives within 37 miles of the sea. Warming also results in destruction of habitats that have an adverse effect on the survival of various species that are dependent on it. The arctic region may not have any ice in less than 30 years from now. The polar bears are threatened by these changes. If the gases continue to be emitted at the current rate, the Arctic basin will be ice-free by the year 2040. The cases of extreme weather conditions like droughts, floods, hurricanes, extreme cold, tornados and earthquakes are on an increase. Extreme changes in precipitation patterns and the weather temperature could cause serious health problems. Nations around the world have taken the threat of global warming seriously and are undertaking measures to fight it. In 2015, at the Paris climate summit, 195 countries signed a historic agreement to reduce their carbon emissions. They have decided on a goal to limit the warming of the planet any further. A simple way to reduce global warming is to reduce the carbon dioxide emission. It can happen only when individuals step up and take action. People have to see to it that they take steps to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. The energy we use to power our homes, cars and smart phones, all contribute towards climate change. We have to take steps to make a difference. There is a need to invest in energy efficient appliances. Driving a fuel-efficient vehicle will help to reduce the emission. Opting for public transport or opting to go without a vehicle to nearby places will help towards reducing our carbon footprint.(i) How does climate change harm our planet?(ii) What causes the atmosphere of the earth to heat up?(iii) Give any two examples of the effects of global warming as mentioned in the passage(iv) How does global warming result in extinction of species? Give an example.(v) What steps are being taken by different countries of the world to reduce global warming?(vi) As an individual, what steps can we take to reduce global warming?(vii) How does climate change result in the rise of sea level? How is it a threat to people?(viii) What are the extreme weather conditions caused due to global warming?