| When you hear about the effects of global | | | | Many of the changes and effects listed above are |
| warming it is important to understand that the | | | | already taking place today on a smaller scale of |
| effects we are experiencing today are moderate | | | | course. Sea levels are rising due to thermal |
| compared to what the future will see if we do | | | | expansion of the ocean, in addition to melting of |
| not take preventative action. Over the next | | | | land ice. Amounts and patterns of precipitation are |
| century researchers and environmental | | | | changing as well but only slightly in comparison to |
| professionals are stating that the effects of global | | | | what has been predicted for the future. Changes |
| warming will continue on a constant inclined curve. | | | | in temperature and precipitation patterns increase |
| Temperatures heating up a little bit each decade | | | | the frequency and intensity of other extreme |
| until the earth's temperatures reach the | | | | weather events such as floods, droughts, heat |
| sweltering levels that we experienced in history. | | | | waves, and tornadoes. |
| Scientists believe that the earth's temperatures | | | | Other effects of global warming include higher or |
| will rise between 2-9 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050. | | | | lower agricultural yields, further glacial retreat, |
| The Arctic and the earth's northern latitudes will | | | | reduced summer stream flows and species |
| feel the most of the effects of global warming as | | | | extinctions. As a further effect of global warming, |
| they continue to escalate. As the Arctic packs | | | | diseases like malaria are returning into areas |
| and glaciers begin to melt from the increased | | | | where they have been extinguished earlier. This is |
| temperatures the tundra and seas surrounding the | | | | only the beginning of the effects global warming |
| areas will continue to absorb the warmth which | | | | can have on our earth. As the greenhouse gases |
| was once reflected back into space. Climate | | | | continue to increase and enter the atmosphere |
| models show that if temperatures throughout the | | | | these effects are only going to increase in |
| rest of the world rise to 3 degrees Fahrenheit | | | | severity making it harder and harder to maintain |
| they will more than likely rise to at least 7 | | | | our quality of life. |
| degrees Fahrenheit in the Arctic. From this the | | | | Many people find it hard to believe that the |
| oceans throughout the world will become full with | | | | effects of global warming can become as severe |
| melting glaciers and ice from the Arctic likely to | | | | as scientists are predicting but the patterns |
| rise by at least 3ft. | | | | support these theories. When you read studies |
| As the temperatures continue to rise this will | | | | comparing today's weather to weather 20years |
| force the ocean to evaporate quicker and | | | | ago there are already signs proving the effects of |
| therefore more rainfall will be experienced. The | | | | global warming. Pay attention to the weather |
| problem with this effect is that the rainfall may hit | | | | today and the severe weather being reported |
| areas of the world which do not need it at all | | | | from all over the world and you will begin to see |
| causing massive floods and monsoons. Subtropical | | | | the effects within your own life as well. |
| areas like India are expected to be the target of | | | | We can all do our part to reduce the amount of |
| this particular effect of global warming. On the | | | | greenhouse gases within our atmosphere. No |
| other hand it is safe to say that droughts are | | | | matter how small the act might be (saving |
| going to be more of a problem than flooding. | | | | electricity, conserving fuels, etc) every action |
| There are predictions that the future effects of | | | | makes a difference when we are all making these |
| global warming may have its benefits as well. In | | | | eco-smart decisions. There are no doubts that the |
| the northern part of the world such as Canada, | | | | effects of global warming are only going to |
| the warmer temperatures will mean longer | | | | persist and increase if we do not do something |
| growing seasons and more rainfall. This of course | | | | today. The fact is that even if greenhouse |
| then will put an end to any food shortage that | | | | emission gases were completely eliminated today |
| may be occurring and provide a new sense of | | | | it will still take years to eliminate the threats of |
| prosperity to countries throughout the world | | | | global warming. This is why it is so important to |
| which have been struggling to survive. | | | | do what we can today! |