What are the effects Global Warming has on our planet?
"The global warming scenario is pretty grim. I'm not sure I like the idea of polar bears under a palm tree."
Lenny Henry
The Earth is already showing many signs of climate change.
Average worldwide temperatures have increased 0.8°C in the last few decades according to NASA’s Institute for Space Studies and the rate of warming is increasing at the fastest rate in recorded history. But global warming is not only about rising temperatures, the effects of the higher temperatures have far-reaching effects.
The Arctic region seems most affected at this time with temperatures in Alaska, Western Canada and Eastern Russia rising at twice the global average according to an Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report. Arctic ice is disappearing rapidly with polar bears and other native animals already suffering from the loss of ice. Scientists have predicted the Arctic could possibly even have a completely ice-free summer by the year 2040.
Global warming leads to more extreme weather events:
· Rising ocean temperatures allow more water vapour to be released into the air and tropical
cyclones pick this up during their formation leading to more intense storms.
· More coastal and island flooding due to rising sea levels and melting ice.
· More droughts caused by greatly reduced rainfall and dried up water sources.
· More heatwaves leading to more wildfires.
· The growth of desert areas.
These effects have the potential to cause displacement of a significant percentage of the world’s population due to loss of habitable land, food and fresh water shortages. Also, many animal species may face extinction because of disappearing habitat and food and water sources.
Average worldwide temperatures have increased 0.8°C in the last few decades according to NASA’s Institute for Space Studies and the rate of warming is increasing at the fastest rate in recorded history. But global warming is not only about rising temperatures, the effects of the higher temperatures have far-reaching effects.
The Arctic region seems most affected at this time with temperatures in Alaska, Western Canada and Eastern Russia rising at twice the global average according to an Arctic Climate Impact Assessment report. Arctic ice is disappearing rapidly with polar bears and other native animals already suffering from the loss of ice. Scientists have predicted the Arctic could possibly even have a completely ice-free summer by the year 2040.
Global warming leads to more extreme weather events:
· Rising ocean temperatures allow more water vapour to be released into the air and tropical
cyclones pick this up during their formation leading to more intense storms.
· More coastal and island flooding due to rising sea levels and melting ice.
· More droughts caused by greatly reduced rainfall and dried up water sources.
· More heatwaves leading to more wildfires.
· The growth of desert areas.
These effects have the potential to cause displacement of a significant percentage of the world’s population due to loss of habitable land, food and fresh water shortages. Also, many animal species may face extinction because of disappearing habitat and food and water sources.