Effects of Global Warming Essay

Throughout the past century there has been a considerable increase in the average temperature on earth. This average rise of temperature is called global warming. It is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Almost 100% of the observed temperature increase over the last 50 years has been due to the increase of greenhouse gas concentrations like water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone (Cause and Effect for Global Warming). The greenhouse gases trap the heat in the atmosphere and make the earth warm. These greenhouse gases have increased tremendously in the atmosphere due to the recent industrialization. The main effects of global warming are climate change, the rise of sea levels, and the behavior change of wildlife. These are the primary effects of global warming; however, they also contribute to a broad range of secondary effects. The global temperatures have been increasing in recent years, this is causing climate change. By the end of the century the global temperature is predicted to increase by 3 ° to 5 °C. Changes in temperature patterns have effects on extreme weather events: they increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of floods, droughts, heat waves, and tornadoes (Cause and Effect for Global Warming). There has been a high correlation of hurricane power with tropical sea surface temperature. Since the surface temperature is increasing, the total annual power of hurricanes has increased. The nature of the earth’s atmosphere is becoming even more unpredictable, which is a cause for attention. This brings about a variation in the biological systems; essentially the crops, forests, oceans, fresh waterways, and grasslands (Effects of Global Warming). Higher or lower agricultural yields is becoming a concern for farmers. Another effect of climate change will be the vegetation that is available on the earth. The tundra vegetation will turn to temperate, cold deciduous and evergreen type of forest. Woody plant population will tend to increase as a result of increased precipitation. There will be a drastic change in the type of vegetation available in the area, which will in turn effect the inhabitation of the area (Effects of Global Warming). The second major effect of the global warming is the rising sea levels. There will be a considerable increase in the water level of oceans and seas as a result of the melting of glaciers. When the temperature exceeds a particular level or warm temperatures last for a long enough period, and if there is insufficient precipitation, glaciers and ice sheets will lose mass (Oceans and sea level rise). This increase in sea and ocean levels will engulf land at the coastal areas and some low lying countries may even become submerged (Effects of Global Warming). This will cause the most dramatic alterations in habitats. Most of the world’s coastal cities were established during the last few millennia, a period when global sea level have been constant. Since the mid-19th century, sea levels have been rising, and during the 20th century, sea levels rose about 15-20 centimeters. Satellite measurements taken over the past decade, however, indicate that the rate of increase has jumped to about 3. 1 mm/year, which is significantly higher than the average rate in the 20th century (Oceans and sea level rise). Even a small increase in sea levels can have a dramatic effect on coastal environments. Over 600 million people live in coastal areas that are less than 10 meters above sea level. If this continues to get worse than a very large number of people in vulnerable locations are going to be forced to relocate. If relocation does not happen before these areas are flooding my storm surges, many refugees are likely to result (Oceans and sea level rise). These nations are also at risk of losing their fresh-water supplies as sea level rise pushes saltwater into their aquifers. Aside from the effect this might have on the human population, there are many environmental concerns such as coastal erosion, wetland and coastal plain flooding, and a loss of habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife and plants. The behavior in wildlife is also a concern, many animals are being forced to change territories, and some species are at threat to extinction. A behavior pattern of the animals studied shows that the animals are beginning to shift their population north or towards a higher altitude (Effects of Global Warming). Beyond habitat movement, many scientists agree that global warming is causing a shift in the timing of various natural recurrent events in the lives of animals. Many birds have altered the timing of long-held migratory and reproductive routines to better sync up with a warming climate. Also, some hibernating animals are ending their slumbers earlier each year (EarthTalk). Different species sharing like habitats are responding in different ways, tearing apart ecological communities. According to â€Å"Defenders of Wildlife†, some of the wildlife species hit the hardest so far by global warming include caribou, arctic foxes, toads, polar bears, penguins, gray wolves, tree swallows, painted turtles and salmon (EarthTalk). Many other marine animals are affected as well. It is expected that many species will die off or become extinct due to the increase in the temperatures of the water, whereas various other species, which prefer warmer waters, will increase tremendously. Perhaps the most disturbing changes are expected in the coral reefs that are likely to die off as an effect of global warming (Effects of Global Warming). Species that rely upon the existence of sea ice to survive are likely to be impacted, posing the threat of extinction for polar bears, seals, and some breeds of penguins. Researcher Bill Fraser has tracked the decline of the Adelie penguins on Antarctica, where their numbers have fallen from 32,000 breeding pairs to 11,000 in 30 years (Effects of Global Warming). It is quite clear that the effects of global warming have the potential to be disastrous. Global warming is causing rapid temperature changes affecting ourselves, our environment, and the rest of the wildlife. All of these factors contribute to our changing world. The population would be right to prepare for these changes, before it is too late to adapt. People should recognize the source of this, and stop adding to this negative loop.