Global warming, its consequences and possible steps to be taken

Necsoi Sorin AlinGroup 8218Global warming, its consequences and possible steps to be taken

Global warmingandclimate changeare terms for the observed century-scale rise in the average temperature of the Earth'sclimate systemand 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 andatmosphere.

Future climate change and associated impacts will differ fromregion to regionaround the globe. Anticipatedeffects include warming global temperature,rising sea levels, changingprecipitation, and expansion ofdesertsin the subtropics.Warming is expected to be greater over land than over the oceans andgreatest in the Arctic, with the continuingretreat of glaciers,permafrostandsea ice. Other likely changes include more frequentextreme weatherevents includingheat waves,droughts, heavyrainfallwithfloodsand heavysnowfall;ocean acidification; andspecies extinctionsdue to shifting temperature regimes. Effects significant to humans include the threat tofood securityfrom decreasing crop yields and theabandonment of populated areasdue torising sea levels.

The climate system can warm or cool in response to changes inexternal 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 ofgreenhouse gases),solar luminosity,volcaniceruptions, andvariations in Earth's orbitaround the Sun.The greenhouse effect is the process by whichabsorptionandemissionofinfraredradiation by gases in a planet'satmospherewarm its lower atmosphere and surface.

ConsequencesMore Powerful and Dangerous HurricanesWarmer 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.

ConsequencesDrought and WildfireWarmer 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 RainstormsWarmer 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.

ConsequencesBad Air, Allergy and AsthmaGlobal 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 OutbreaksWarming 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.

What we can doReduce electricity usage around the home Switch to energy-efficient lighting Improve the efficiency of home appliances Reduce energy needed for heatingImprove vehicle fuel-efficiency Practice fuel-efficient driving Recycle air conditioner coolant Drive lessConserve 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.

Bibliografie1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming2. http://learn.eartheasy.com/2009/03/global-warming-climate-change-what-we-can-do-about-it/3. http://www.nrdc.org/globalwarming/fcons.asp