What Is Global Warming & Its Effects?

Global warming is an environmental phenomenon related to climate change. Bizarre temperatures and wacky weather patterns are only some of the more noticeable effects of global warming. The causes of global warming are associated with greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide and methane. The continuous shifting of the climate has a number of impending effects that are dangerous toward humans, animals and the environment.

Rising Temperatures

• Average temperatures are rising as a result of global warming. More heat waves and fewer cold spells are predicted to occur by the Environmental Protection Agency. For example, the EPA predicts that Chicago, Illinois will see a 25 percent increase in heat waves by the end of the century. Such extreme temperatures can have an impact on human health and may become dangerous to those who are most vulnerable, such as people who are elderly, young children and individuals with health conditions.

Food Supply

• Agriculture is dependent on the climate, so global warming impacts the food supply. Heat waves, droughts and flooding present barriers to effective agricultural production. Consequently, farmers may have to relocate to geographic locations that have more agreeable climate conditions for the types of crops they are farming, which can affect the types of crops available throughout various seasons. With rising temperatures, certain crops that do well in the heat will have a longer production season, while other crops may have very short seasons, which will lead to a shortage of certain crops.

Water

• Bodies of water around the world are negatively impacted by global warming. The planet may experience a reduction in available water resources, since hot temperatures will increase the evaporation cycle, thereby creating a loss in water. Areas of the world that experience average amounts or less of precipitation will not be able to make up for the water resources that are lost.

Arctic Effects

• Global warming and higher temperatures are impacting the Arctic most dramatically. The EPA says that over the past few decades, Arctic temperatures have risen at nearly twice the rate as temperatures elsewhere on the planet. In response, glaciers are melting and causing sea levels to rise worldwide. The effects also have a devastating impact on polar bears. In a May 2007 article in "National Geographic" magazine, John Roach reports that by 2050, two-thirds of the world's polar bears are predicted to become extinct.

Ecosystems

• Ecosystems are impacted by global warming. Many species are vulnerable to dying off due to arid climates, lack of water and a reduction of organisms and other life forms to feed upon. Ecosystems rely on everything within the system to survive, so if a particular animal or plant becomes extinct, it can have lasting effects on the other members of the ecosystem.