Global warming, its consequences and possible steps
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Global warming and climate change refer to the observed century-scale rise in average global temperatures and associated effects. Multiple lines of evidence show the climate is warming, with most of the added energy being stored in warming ocean waters. Future climate change effects are expected to include higher temperatures, sea level rise, changing precipitation patterns, and expanded deserts. Regional impacts will vary and include more extreme weather, ocean acidification, and species extinction due to shifting climates. Human impacts could include threats to food security and populations being forced to abandon some coastal areas.
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Global warming, its consequences and possible steps
2. Global warming and climate change are terms for the observed
century-scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth's climate
system and its related effects.
Multiple lines of scientific evidence show that the climate system is
warming. Although the increase of near-surface atmospheric
temperature is the measure of global warming often reported in
the popular press, most of the additional energy stored in the
climate system since 1970 has gone into ocean warming. The
remainder has melted ice and warmed the continents
and atmosphere.
3. Future climate change and associated impacts will differ
from region to region around the globe. Anticipated effects
include warming global temperature, rising sea levels,
changing precipitation, and expansion of deserts in the
subtropics. Warming is expected to be greater over land than
over the oceans and greatest in the Arctic, with the
continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other
likely changes include more frequent extreme weather events
including heat waves, droughts, heavy rainfall with floods and
heavy snowfall; ocean acidification; and species
extinctions due to shifting temperature regimes. Effects
significant to humans include the threat to food security from
decreasing crop yields and the abandonment of populated
areas due to rising sea levels.
4. The climate system can warm or
cool in response to changes
in external forcings. These are
"external" to the climate system
but not necessarily external to
Earth. Examples of external
forcings include changes in
atmospheric composition (e.g.,
increased concentrations
of greenhouse gases), solar
luminosity, volcanic eruptions,
and variations in Earth's
orbit around the Sun.
The greenhouse effect is the
process by
which absorption and emission o
f infrared radiation by gases in a
planet's atmosphere warm its
lower atmosphere and surface.
5. More Powerful and Dangerous Hurricanes
Warmer water in the oceans pumps more energy into tropical
storms, making them stronger and potentially more
destructive. Even with storms of the same intensity, future
hurricanes will cause more damage as higher sea levels
exacerbate storm surges, flooding, and erosion.
6. Drought and Wildfire
Warmer temperatures could increase the
probability of drought. Greater evaporation,
particularly during summer and fall, could
exacerbate drought conditions and increase the
risk of wildfires.
Intense Rainstorms
Warmer temperatures increase the energy of the
climatic system and can lead to heavier rainfall in
some areas. Scientists project that climate
change will increase the frequency of heavy
rainstorms, putting many communities at risk for
devastation from floods.
7. Bad Air, Allergy and Asthma
Global warming could increase smog pollution in
some areas and intensify pollen allergies and
asthma. Hotter conditions could also aggravate
local air quality problems, already afflicting more
than 100 million Americans.
Infectious Disease and Food and Waterborne
Illness Outbreaks
Warming temperatures, alternating periods of
drought and deluges, and ecosystem disruption
have contributed to more widespread outbreaks of
infections like malaria, dengue fever, tick-borne
encephalitis, and diarrheal illnesses. People living
in poverty will be hardest hit by the global surge in
infectious diseases.
8. Reduce electricity usage around the home
Switch to energy-efficient lighting
Improve the efficiency of home appliances
Reduce energy needed for heating
Improve vehicle fuel-efficiency
Practice fuel-efficient driving
Recycle air conditioner coolant
Drive less
Conserve energy in the home and yard
Recycle whenever possible
Choose clean energy options
Paint your home a light color if you live in a warm
climate, or a dark color in a cold climate.