Global Warming: Nature and Effects

• Posted by Evert Chris Dimalanta January 30, 2014 - Filed in Other - #Global Warming  - 1,001 views

  

  Global warming is a phenomenon when the earth’s temperature rises due to trapping of heat and light in the earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases. Scientists explain that it is caused by electrical pollution such as the burning of fossil fuels, mainly petroleum and coal, which produces carbon dioxide. The greenhouse gases keep the lower layers of the atmosphere warmer.

   

  At present, global warming is affecting different parts of the world. We experience extreme weather conditions and global warming takes the blame. Global warming makes the sea rise and the water covers many lowland islands, a perilous problem for many plants, animals and of course, people. When water covers the plants, it causes them to die. Animals then lose their source for food and their habitat. When both animals and plants die, people lose their source of food and homes, too. This would result to emigration or death. This is a disturbing scenario since it breaks the food chain.

   

  The pollution that causes global warming is linked to acid rain which gradually destroys almost everything it touches. Everywhere, we experience the depressing effects of climate change. Scientists say that the earth could warm by an additional 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century if we fail to reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. This will have far-reaching effects on the earth's climate patterns creatures, living and even non-living. As a matter of fact, many of these changes have already begun. Below are some of the regional impacts of global change forecast by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

   

  1. North America: Decreasing snowpack in the western mountains; 5-20 percent increase in yields of rain-fed agriculture in some regions; increased frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in cities that currently experience them.

   

  2. Latin America: Gradual replacement of tropical forest by savannah in eastern Amazonia; risk of significant biodiversity loss through species extinction in many tropical areas; significant changes in water availability for human consumption, agriculture and energy generation. 

   

  3. Europe: Increased risk of inland flash floods; more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion from storms and sea level rise; glacial retreat in mountainous areas; reduced snow cover and winter tourism; extensive species losses; reductions of crop productivity in southern Europe. 

   

  4. Africa: By 2020, between 75 and 250 million people are projected to be exposed to increased water stress; yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50 percent in some regions by 2020; agricultural production, including access to food, may be severely compromised. 

   

  5. Asia: Freshwater availability projected to decrease in Central, South, East and Southeast Asia by the 2050s; coastal areas will be at risk due to increased flooding; death rate from disease associated with floods and droughts expected to rise in some regions. 

   

  With the growing population and scientific breakthroughs, it is likely that global climate could even get worse. It’s high time that we act as one to save our world, not just for us but for the generations to come.

  Source: http://climate.nasa.gov/effects