When the world’s average temperature rises, more green house gases are produced. These gases reflect heat back to Earth, and as a result, our planet is experiencing an unprecedented amount of warming. The primary cause of this phenomenon is the burning of fossil fuels. Over the past 50 years, global warming has been a major problem. People are starting to question what global warms and what effects it will have. But they also wonder what they can do about it.
The first global warming effect will be the melting of Arctic sea ice. The ice melted last year was one of the most dramatic effects of global warming. The ice was already at record low levels in 2015, and it’s unlikely to hit its maximum extent again until 2050. When the sea reaches record-low levels, less sunlight reflects off the ice and more heat is absorbed into the ocean. This cycle keeps repeating itself, causing the ice to melt faster and higher.
Another global warming effect is the melting of glaciers. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, glaciers in Glacier National Park are shrinking at an alarming rate. These retreats are likely due to human-caused climate change. A 2016 study estimated that this change is 99 percent human-caused. While these effects are obvious, they are not as well-known as many might think. While the melting of glaciers will have far-reaching effects on the world’s environment, the changes will be gradual and will be difficult to reverse.
Global warming will also result in a more varied range of climate-related conditions. The temperature is expected to increase by up to six degrees Celsius (ten degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the entire planet. The increased temperatures will lead to a more crowded environment, and extreme weather events will become more common. More water-borne illnesses like Zika virus and anthropogenic aerosols could also affect our health. The warmer temperatures will increase the number of mosquito-borne diseases, which can be fatal for fetuses.
The effects of global warming will vary depending on the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. While anthropogenic activities will always increase CO2 levels, global temperatures are also expected to rise. Some studies even claim that lightning strikes will increase by 50 percent by 2100. This is a scary prospect for many people. And while the majority of global warming effects are not due to man-made causes, the impact of climate change is already affecting our daily lives.
Carbon dioxide will cause the temperature to rise. The greenhouse gas will also cause food to become less nutritious. Other effects include mosquito-borne illnesses and chronic diseases. The Zika virus causes birth defects in fetuses. A study carried out by the American Medical Association found that most of these effects over the last 50 years are caused by human activity. If the trend continues, the average temperature will increase by between 1.4 and five degrees Celsius, with the Antarctic ice sheet increasing by nine to 88 cm.
In addition to increased temperature, global warming has other adverse effects. Some of these effects are already seen in our everyday lives, and they are a major cause for concern. Natural factors will always play a part in global warming. But human activities will increase concentrations of greenhouse gases, which will increase the risk of certain types of diseases. It is therefore important to understand how climate change affects our health. You must know the risks of the environment and make sure you are prepared.
The Arctic sea ice is a prime example of a climate-related effect. Its extent decreased in 2015 and 2016, and in 2016 was nearly half its peak in that time period. The melting Arctic sea ice will also cause increased temperatures in many regions, including the northern hemisphere. Aside from the oceans, a large portion of the Earth’s oceans will be covered by a layer of ice.
Changing ecosystems means more extreme weather events. The oceans have absorbed most of the extra heat from human activities, which has caused sea levels to rise. The increased acidity is also affecting coral reefs and tiny crustaceans that are important in the marine food chain. In addition to the rising temperature, global warming has also led to a rise in ice. For the past 50 years, the effects of global warming on these species have been devastating.