Consequences of Global Warning

Most scientists agree that the world has seen an increase in temperatures in recent years; some predict that during the 21st century, the Earth could warm an additional 7.2 degrees if global warming trends continue. The effects of global warming are far-reaching and serious, and could potentially affect everyone and everything on the planet.

Weather Patterns

• The rise in global temperatures has affected weather patterns. Warmer waters in oceans, for instance, creates stronger and more destructive tropical storms. Over the past 35 years, category 4 and 5 tropical storms have been more prevalent, and the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was the most active season in recorded history. Twenty-seven storms occurred during this season, of which five became category 4 hurricanes and an astonishing four grew into the highly destructive category 5 storms. Additionally, warmer temperatures increase the occurrences of droughts and wildfires. The 2006 season set records, with nearly 100,000 fires recorded.

Glaciers

• As the temperatures rise, glaciers and ice caps are melting at unprecedented paces. The polar ice cap, for example, is melting at a rate of 9 percent per decade, and since the 1960s overall arctic ice thickness has decreased by 40 percent. Further, scientists at the U.S. Center for Atmospheric Research believe that if we do not take measures to stop the rate of global warming, Arctic ice will completely melt in the summers by 2040, and all glaciers in Glacier National Park will disappear by 2070.

Wildlife

• As the Earth's temperatures rise, species and ecosystems are forced to adapt to warmer weathers. Some are unable to do so, though, and are forced to extinction; scientists predict that global warming puts one million species at risk for extinction by 2050. Many polar bears, for instance, are drowning because they are having to swim farther and farther distances to reach ice floes. Additionally, many species have begun to migrate north to cooler temperatures; in California, sea life has begun to move north to reach lower ocean and air temperatures.

Health

• Human health is being affected by global warming, most notably due to the extreme heat waves that have caused deaths across the world. Diseases are also being spread more easily; insects that have traditionally remained solely in the southern hemisphere have begun to seek relief from the heat by moving north. Scientists believe that malaria has not been totally eradicated in some countries due to global warming.

Sea Level Rise

• In the past century, sea levels have risen 4 to 8 inches, and scientists believe the rate of sea-level rise is accelerating. Sea levels are rising due to the thermal expansion of oceans as well as the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Rising sea levels have caused flooding in coastal communities and low-lying areas and the loss of coastal wetlands. Additionally, flooding and the salinization of soil has harmed agriculture.