Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes that global warming is a reality driven primarily by human activities, leading to increasingly extreme weather events and significant impacts on the environment and society [2][4]. Group 1: Causes of Global Warming - The scientific consensus is that human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, are the main drivers of global warming, with current warming rates being 50 times faster than natural cycles [4]. - Industrial emissions and livestock farming, especially cattle, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, with methane being a major byproduct of cattle digestion [4][5]. Group 2: Effects of Global Warming - Global warming leads to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves, due to increased evaporation and changes in atmospheric moisture [8][9]. - The melting of glaciers and ice caps contributes to rising sea levels, but the more immediate concern is the increase in extreme weather patterns, which can lead to both droughts and floods [8][9]. - The phenomenon of "critical points" is highlighted, where irreversible changes, such as the melting of ice sheets and the release of methane from permafrost, could accelerate global warming and lead to more extreme climate conditions [12][13]. Group 3: Potential Benefits and Adaptations - One potential benefit of global warming is the northward shift of precipitation patterns, which could lead to increased rainfall in certain areas, although this does not guarantee improved agricultural conditions due to increased evaporation rates [14][15]. - The article discusses the possibility of adapting to extreme weather by changing living patterns, such as relocating to cooler regions during extreme heat [16]. Group 4: Societal Implications - Extreme weather events pose direct threats to vulnerable populations, exacerbating social inequalities and impacting livelihoods [16]. - The article notes that efforts in climate change mitigation, such as reforestation and renewable energy deployment, are crucial and highlights China's proactive measures in addressing global warming [16].

Group 1 - The mainstream academic consensus is that climate change is significantly accelerating, leading to an increase in extreme weather events [2][5] - Human activities are identified as the primary cause of the surge in greenhouse gases, with current warming rates being 50 times faster than natural climate variations [5][6] - The greenhouse effect, while beneficial to a certain extent, can become dangerous if it exceeds a certain threshold, potentially leading to catastrophic climate scenarios [7][8][11] Group 2 - Global warming is expected to cause both droughts and floods, as increased temperatures enhance evaporation and alter precipitation patterns [12][14][15] - The frequency of extreme weather events, such as unprecedented heavy rainfall, is rising, posing challenges to existing infrastructure built on historical climate data [17][19] - A critical concern is the potential for irreversible changes, such as the melting of ice caps and the release of methane from permafrost, which could accelerate global warming [23][24] Group 3 - There are some potential benefits from global warming, such as the northward shift of precipitation lines, which has led to increased rainfall in certain regions [25][26] - Efforts to combat desertification and improve vegetation cover in arid areas have shown positive results, indicating that proactive measures can mitigate some effects of climate change [28] - However, the overall economic impact may not shift significantly, as major economic activities remain concentrated around oceans and rivers [29][30] Group 4 - The increasing severity of extreme temperatures poses risks to human habitation, particularly in regions experiencing unprecedented heat [32][33] - The social implications of climate change, including exacerbated inequalities and threats to vulnerable populations, are becoming more pronounced [36]