The Effects on the Earth in Weather Changes and Hurricanes from Global Warming

There is mounting scientific evidence that global warming is having a major impact on the growing frequency and intensity of worsening weather conditions around the world like hurricanes. Changes that scientists predicted several decades ago based on rising global temperatures are in fact happening, many at a faster rate than originally predicted. The exact extent of this change is difficult to discern precisely, however, due primarily to the complexity of factors involved, and the lack of long-term historical data on many weather conditions.

Global Warming Background

• Temperatures are rising around the world. Over the past century the average global temperature is up 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit. The first decade of the 21st century saw some of the warmest years on record for both the United States and the world. As a result, the average ocean temperature has risen an estimated 1.1 degree Fahrenheit, which has caused a rise in sea level due to expansion of the water. Warmer temperatures have also contributed to melting land ice, including glaciers, further hastening the rise in sea levels. It is estimated sea levels have risen by one inch in the past decade and could rise as high as nearly two feet by 2099 if drastic measures are not taken to reduce greenhouse gases. Already, communities in parts of the world have had to relocate inland due to encroaching water. This also creates a major impact on higher storm surges, extensive damage to coastlines and inland flooding. If sea levels rise as high as predicted, this can lead to devastating damage. We are already witnessing many of the frightening changes to our weather patterns.

Increase in Atmospheric Humidity

• Atmospheric humidity has risen an estimated 4 percent since 1970, which is very significant since as warm, moist air rises -- encouraged by warmer ocean temperatures -- the air pressure at sea level lowers, causing surrounding air to spiral upwards. This creates greater instability and turbulence, making for stronger storm systems, with the most dangerous being stronger hurricanes. This is a major reason why the number of category 5 hurricanes has risen since 1980, with the destructive power of hurricanes in this period estimated to have increased 70 percent in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Additionally, the moister air is able to hold more precipitation, resulting in greater rainfall levels in certain regions.

Inland Weather Changes

• Global warming, particularly the warming ocean and ensuing changes in ocean currents, is also having a dramatic impact on rising temperatures and rainfall patterns. Particular regions of the world are experiencing life-challenging droughts, while others are enduring massive flooding and landslides with substantial loss of human life. Each of these conditions is hampering food production and transport, which has a major impact on shortages and rising prices.

Warnings

• Many scientists are warning that unless something is done to curtail the continued levels of greenhouse gasses emitted, these weather trends will only continue to worsen. We need not look far to see the reality of these warnings as record-breaking storms and weather conditions are reported around the world.