Premium Essay

Effects of Global Warming

In:

Submitted By aanderson991
Words 2809
Pages 12
Global warming, by definition is the increase in the earth's ocean and near surface temperatures. In the last several decades, there have been numerous debates regarding global warming. The vast majority of the scientific community now agrees that global warming is caused by the increase in greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere.
What is more important, cheap energy or sustaining human life for the next 100+ years? Global warming is no longer fiction; scientific studies have proved that the earth's climate is under going a period of rapid change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) claims that the average global temperature has increased by 0.74°C since the mid-20th century and predicts that it will continue to rise by another 1.1°C to 6.4°C by the end of the 21st century (Lynas, 1). Our high dependence on fossil fuels as a source of energy has raised the atmospheric content of greenhouses gases to levels which are higher than almost any point in history. These gasses serve as a powerful insulator, and contain excess heat within our atmosphere. An overall warmer climate disrupts the ecosystem and causes disastrous impacts to take place. One of the most prominent dangers associated with global warming is the melting of the polar ice caps (Hansen 2). These enormous blocks of ice that serve as a habitat for many species of wildlife creatures are quickly melting into the ocean. The devastating impact this has on human life is that it sea levels are rising, and if not controlled, it will submerge large costal portions of the earths landmass which are currently occupied by humans. Rainfall patterns are also rapidly changing, causing droughts in some areas and flooding in others. Agriculture production will be greatly effected if these weather patterns intensify. Relatively speaking, global warming is still in its early stages, and changes can be made to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Global Warming and Its Effects on the Coastal Areas of Bangladesh

...Global Warming And Its Effects On The Coastal Areas of Bangladesh [pic] [pic][pic] GLOBAL WARMING: Global Warming is the rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere, including the surface air and oceans. In simple words global warming is when the Earth heats up. It is caused mainly due to increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere. The greenhouse gases, include carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, water vapor, traps heat and light in the Earth’s atmosphere, which increases the temperature. Today global warming is considered as one of the major environmental issues, which threatens to disrupt the basic balance of the environment and cause large scale destruction. The Greenhouse Effect: [pic] There are certain gases that raise the temperature by trapping the sun’s heat and energy. The Earth’s average temperature would have been about 60Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. colder if it weren’t for these gases. These gases are referred to as “greenhouse effect” because of the way they help to keep the Earth warm. The greenhouse effect makes the Earth suitable for all living things. The Earth might have been freezing or it might also have been burning hot if the greenhouse effect did not occur. However, the presence of too many such gases can cause the Earth to get unusually warmer. The plants would not be able to take such heat and eventually they would have died. The scarcity of plants would cause animals to die...

Words: 3109 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Effects of Global Warming

...EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING. Introduction In the past few decades, the earth has been increasingly warmer; weather changes have become more unpredictable. This phenomenon known as global warming, according to Maslin (2000), global warming is due to the massive increase in greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which we are emitting into the atmosphere. Global warming can be natural or human induced, natural global warming occurs due to factors such as volcanic eruption, the relationship between the earth’s rotation axis position and revolution around the sun. However, global warming has increased over the last centuries at an unnatural pace, this has made specialist believe that the real cause of global warming is human induced. Activities that cause human induced global warming include, agricultural practices, burning of fossil, deforestation, industrial processes and the introduction of massive plants or animals. The effects of global warming may be physical, ecological, social or economic (Haldar, 2011). Some of the physical effects include extreme weather conditions such as rising temperatures, warmer temperature could lead to increased drought, more powerful and dangerous hurricanes and even intense rainstorms. Local climate change is another physical effect of global warming. According to (Haldar, 2001 ), there are three ways in which global warming can cause changes in regional climate, melting or forming ice, changing the hydro cycle and changing currents in the...

Words: 528 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Global Warming Effects

...Environmental Effects of Global Warming In order to talk about global warming, we must first learn what causes the greenhouse effect. A lot of the rays from the sun are absorbed by water vapor that is naturally in our atmosphere. Water vapor accounts for "80 percent of natural greenhouse warming. The remaining 20 percent is due to other gasses that are present in very small amounts1". Carbon dioxide is also a big absorber of the sun's heat rays. Global warming will not just make sea levels rise, it will also affect sea life. Corals "are intolerant of temperatures just a few degrees warmer than usual7". Small increases in the temperature can kill corals. There have been problems with corals dying in the past few years because of increased water temperatures. Other marine life may migrate northward or southward because the waters are warmer. The warm water would make them think that they were in their natural habitat, when they were actually migrating toward the poles. Food would be scarce in their new habitat. Patterns of the circulation of sea water are disturbed by global warming. Cold water moves along the sea floor towards the equator and warm water around the equator moves toward the poles across the surface of the ocean. It is known as thermohaline circulation. It is a very important process concerning ocean life. This circulation process brings oxygenated water to the sea floor. If this did not happen, "water along the sea floor would become depleted of the oxygen...

Words: 377 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Effects of Global Warming

...OUTLINE Subject: The Effects of Global Warming; the problems of water in the world 1. Introduction 1) Hook: industrial development 2) General Idea: industrial development has caused serious damages to the environment. 3) Thesis statement: Global warming causes negative environmental problems, particularly various problems of water in our lives. 2. Body Paragraph 1) Global warming (1) The reasons of global warming phenomenon (2) The effects of global warming phenomenon 2) The problems of water by global warming (1) Sea levels rise (2) Water shortages (3) Flood from heavy rains 3. Conclusion 1) The efforts of each countries and organizations Abstract In the twentieth century, using fossil fuel, industrial development has caused serious damages to the environment. This is one of the main factors in the formation of global warming that is closely linked to human activity, and it is caused by the greenhouse effect. Global warming has caused many negative effects to natural environment, especially problems of global water. In other words, the first serious problem of global warming is the rising sea levels, secondly negative problem is water shortages and last one is flooding from heavy rains. Each problem is made by climate changes and global warming by increasing surface temperature. For instance, melting Antarctic and Arctic glaciers have affected sea level rise, and decreasing rainfall and rising temperature have influenced water shortages and...

Words: 1990 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Effects of Global Warming

...Effects of Global Warming Name Professor Course Institution Date [Effects of global warming] The earth environment is warming up every day this is a direct result of the gasses discharged day by day some of these gasses incorporate methane, carbon dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) nitrous oxides and extra time this gasses are caught in the long-wave radiation from the Earth bringing on the air to warmth up. Researchers accept that more prominent measures of carbon dioxide in the environment, and more smoking temperatures on Earth, will essentially change the atmosphere over the entire planet. To understand this it will be necessary we understand what leads to global warming. An Earth-wide temperature boost is created by a sensation known as the nursery impact. A nursery (or glasshouse) is useful for developing things on the grounds that it traps warm inside and stays more sizzling than the air around it. A standout amongst the most quick and evident impacts of a worldwide temperature alteration is the increment in temperatures around the globe. The normal worldwide temperature has expanded by around 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) in the course of recent years, as indicated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Earth's environment acts like a massive nursery, however it traps warm an alternate way. Gasses high in the air, for example, carbon dioxide and methane, carry on like a monster bit of bended glass wrapped right round...

Words: 733 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Global Warming Effects

...layer is formed, there is too much heat on the planet, hence global warming. The discussion herein looks at some of the causes, challenges, impacts and possible solutions to the problem. Causes Global warming is the general increase in the temperatures in the planet due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the ozone layer. With ever increasing industrialization, greenhouse gases are released on a large scale manner to the atmosphere and formed a blanket like layer that prevents the sun’s rays from being reflected back into the space. Normally, when the rays hit the ground, they are supposed to be reflected back into the space. However, with the presence of a blanket-like layer, the rays are trapped and reflected back to earth leading to increase in temperatures. Impacts of global warming Global warming has brought with it numerous challenges in the lives of both humans and animals on earthy. There have been issues of climate change associated with extreme weather conditions. For example, today there are extreme rains that cause flooding and eventually cause destruction of property or even lead to loss of life. On the other hand, global warming has caused extreme droughts that may last for years. This culminates into poverty because there is lack of sufficient food for the people. Possible solutions Various strategies have been put in place to control the negative effects arising out of global warming. For example, policies have...

Words: 557 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Climate Change

...earth; human beings can be extinct probably in the near future. The cause and effects of this phenomenon has been studied which is greenhouse effect. The whole world is getting involved in this issue and looking for solutions. Greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that increases temperature of the earth’s surface (Australian government). However, according to the investigations, human activities enhanced the greenhouse activities, making it worse. So our climate change is due to the increasing human activities, global industrialization which ejects huge amount of carbon emissions. Human activities enhance greenhouse effect that causes widespread heave rainfalls in the northern Hemisphere during the last 50 years (Minetal, as cited in Allan, 2011).The rising temperature is disrupting every aspect in our life and the whole ecosystem. This climate change affects atmospheric and ocean circulations and brings many hazards to the earth, such as widespread drought, flood and tsunami. As we considered climate change, we need consider the common good for all the humans on the earth. The common good refers to the total living conditions which can enable individuals to get the achievement which enables people to achieve humanity (google), whereas climate change is a serious issue that is eliminating human living resouces in many aspects. As we mentioned above, climate change can cause many negative effects, such as ecosystem disruption will lead to increasing of poverty. The refugees...

Words: 1160 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Global

...The effects of global warming on the environment and human life are numerous and varied. Scenarios studied by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predict that global warming will continue and get worse much faster than was expected even in their last report. Research by NOAA indicate that the effects of global warming are already irreversible. The IPCC reports attribute many specific natural phenomena to human causes. The expected long range effects of recent climate change may already be observed. Rising sea levels, glacier retreat, Arctic shrinkage, and altered patterns of agriculture are cited as direct consequences of human activities. Predictions for secondary and regional effects include extreme weather events, an expansion of tropical diseases, changes in the timing of seasonal patterns in ecosystems, and drastic economic impact. Concerns have led to political activism advocating proposals to mitigate, or adapt to it. Geoengineering is a further potential response, which could potentially reverse some effects that may otherwise be irreversible. It is notable that many of the effects of global warming are non-linear in nature, with potential for dramatic positive feedback effects. This means that the climate may enter a critical state where small changes can trigger runaway or abrupt climate change. Geoengineering has been suggested as a means of interrupting or reversing these effects. A notable example of a 'runaway' effect is the release of methane...

Words: 4242 - Pages: 17

Premium Essay

Naked

...Professor Richmond Jones Expository Writing September 18, 2014 Assignment 2 Global Warming: Get Used to It Fareed Zakaria, editor of Newsweek International argues in his 2007 essay “Global Warming: Get Used To It” there is no stopping global warming; it is going to happen regardless of human activity, so adaptation and mitigation are essential. Zakaria cites reliable sources, including the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Frances Cairncross, and their policies for adaptation programs like developing new crops, constructing flood defenses, and making different building codes to prevent building close to sea level. His main purpose is to inform us about the rapid negative effects of global warming in order to persuade his audience to start acting by reducing fuel consumption methods and carbon dioxide pollution. Zakaria stresses the importance of early planning for the inevitable impact of climate change, and although the initial cost might be high, it is worth in the long run. Zakaria is effective because he utilizes rational and emotional evidence to support his claim. Zakaria shows good use of rational evidence when he provided facts and expert opinions to support his position about climate change, mitigation, and adaptation. For instance, he states, “Of the 12 hottest years on record, 11 have occurred since 1995.” This example indicates the rapid growth of global warming in a short span of time and how it will only continue to get worse. Zakaria emphases...

Words: 604 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Climate Change in Cape Town

...winds, rainfall, and even fire to flourish. Due to historical issues such as Apartheid, the almost 4 million residents of Cape Town (City of Cape Town) are often times racially divided in terms of physical housing locations. Some areas are much more impoverished than others, causing the effects of climate change to be felt more intensely and mitigation efforts to be more difficult (Ziervogel, Shale and Du). Climate change is largely attributed to global warming. In a nutshell, this involves greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide to collect and form a layer in the atmosphere. The sun’s heat is then trapped in the atmosphere, causing a rise in the planet’s average temperature (NRDC). This collection of meteorological phenomena poses threats to the planet and the people living in it. Three different effects of climate change in Cape Town will be discussed, explaining the factors leading up to these, how the local people are affected, as well as mitigation efforts and the effectiveness thereof. Coastal Zones: Global warming, as described, causes thermal expansion of the water of the oceans. Another contributor to the rise of the sea level is the melting of the glaciers. This has many effects, including increased saltwater intrusion, higher tides, more flooding and increased coastal erosions. In some areas, developments have taken place too close to...

Words: 1146 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sea Level Rise

...as cities and counties consider its affects and implement mitigation and adaptation strategies in an attempt to limit its potential damage. Florida is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The state has over 1,200 miles of coastline, almost 4,500 square miles of estuaries and bays, more than 6,700 square miles of other coastal waters, and a low-lying topography. In addition, most of the state’s 18 million residents live within 60 miles of the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. Florida’s diverse and productive coastal and marine ecosystems are imperative to the state’s present and future. These ecosystems provide food and other products for its habitat as well as valuable and irreplaceable ecological functions. These systems also attract visitors from all over the world who wish to experience the beauty and recreational opportunities these locations offer. The state’s life-support system, economy, and quality of life depend on preserving and sustaining these resources over the long term . Of prime interest to Florida is the climate changes impact on rising sea levels. Sea Level Rise (SLR) has been identified as a major global problem. SLR has two causes, the melting of mountain glaciers and polar ice sheets and thermal expansion of the oceans. At present, the mean global rate of sea level rise is approximately 3 mm per year. However, within a relatively broad band of certainty, projections for future sea level rise consistently indicate a non-linear...

Words: 1337 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Enviornment

...are gone! I remember being able to go out in the middle of July and play outside in the clear blue sky, but now that is not possible. A clear blue sky is a rare sight and the high pollution levels and temperatures make it impossible. Al Gore’s movie on global warming” The Inconvenient truth” is an eye opener. It grabs the viewers’ attention and starkly portrays the causes and effects of global warming. It puts the consequences of our actions into a larger perspective. I found Al Gore’s presentation extremely convincing for numerous reasons. Firstly, he uses humor to engage the audience and once he has their attention he foccuses on the pressing issue of global warming. Secondly, he uses a lot of examples to illustrate his point. Instead of lecturing that, “Temperatures are rising, we should stop it.” He uses vivid examples and graphic illustrations of the destruction of our planet and of life as we know it if we do not stop this relentless emission of green house gases. This tactic effectively drives the message home. For instance, an image that is embedded in my head is the thought of my hometown Mumbai disappearing from the face of this planet because of the rising sea levels. His movie elevates the concept of global warming from a text- book lesson to one that will directly impact each and every one of us. He personalizes the issue. Lastly, all his statements are backed up by graphs, statistics, and hard evidence, which makes the viewer believe in his truth and forces people...

Words: 432 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

The Growth of Hearing Impairement Education in Zambia

...impossible for humans to inhabit the earth because it would have been too cold for any living thing to survive. The surface of the earth is warmed by the process called the greenhouse effect which occurs once the greenhouse gases retain some amounts of heat rays that bounce from the sun rays that heat the earth’s surface. The levels of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and other greenhouse gases have increased over the years due to both natural and anthropogenic factors but mostly human induced. Some human activities such as deforestation, industrial activities and combustion of fossil fuels have increased the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leading to the increase in temperature of the surface of the earth. Scientists and researchers have argued that the increase in the earth’s surface temperature can cause climate change which can lead to catastrophic and disastrous events such as the raise of the ocean water levels due to the melting of the polar ice and flooding the coastal areas. 1.2 INTRODUCTION Climate change is the world phenomenon in which the temperature of the earth’s surface increases to the level in which it threatens the wellbeing and proper operation of the ecosystems thereby affecting the life of humans and other animals due to the unpredictable seasons and effects of droughts, floods and higher temperatures that lead to the great loss of biodiversity( )…………………states that the term ‘gender’ refers to sexually ascribed roles responsibilities...

Words: 3131 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Global Warming Speech

...today to discuss one of the greatest subjects in the history of mankind! If we don’t act now, the planet as we know it will never be the same. I am here today, to fight for the future, to fight for the coming generations and to fight for our survival! The world as we know it is changing! Today is the day! The day where we will be united as one. Today is the day where we make use of the endless power and intelligence God gave us upon creation. We will work together as a team, regardless of wealth and poverty, black and white, young and old, gay and straight, disabled and not disabled, to save the future of tomorrow! A study, by scientists at the World Health Organization determined that 154,000 people die every year from the effects of global warming. These numbers could almost double by 2020. This is not acceptable! We can’t just close our eyes, and hope for the best. We made this problem, and we are the only ones who can get us back on track. No nation, however large or small, wealthy or poor, can escape the impact of climate change. Rising sea levels threaten every coastline and families are already being forced to flee their homes as climate refugees. More powerful storms and floods threaten every continent. Katrina as well as the tsunami in 2004 was just the beginning. Fellow citizens! Is this really a place for our children to live, to grow up? You and I may not feel the consequences of the climate change at the moment, but trust me on this; our children and our grandchildren...

Words: 537 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Global Warming and Its Effects on Glaciers

...and de Castro - Global W arming and Glaciers The Traprock, Vol. 3, M ay 2004, pp 16 - 19 16 Global Warming and its Effects on Glaciers Andrew Grosvenor, Will Roble and Marcus de Castro The addition of more greenhouse gasses to earth’s atmosphere has been blocking an increased amount of the heat radiated out from the earth’s surface. This in turn has lead to higher average global temperatures, or global warming. One of the main problems posed by this development is the melting of the earth’s glaciers. This is problematic because more liquid water will cause the planet’s sea levels to rise, possibly by as much as 66m if they are completely melted. Other environmental concerns related to melting include changes to mountain habitats and an accelerated water cycle. Although some modeling has shown no serious deterioration of the earth’s glaciers it is becoming increasingly evident that continued global warming would have serious repercussions on the planet’s ice. With the increasing acceptance of global warming as an important phenomenon occurring in our environment today, its effects on the natural cycles of the planet are becoming the center of research. One of the most interesting of these topics is the effect of global warming on the earth’s glaciers. It has been observed that increasing temperatures have and will continue to lead to glacial melting, and that the additional water will lead to a rise in the earth’s sea levels. The other potential effects of glacial melting...

Words: 2566 - Pages: 11