In recent years, the climate on Earth has changed significantly: some countries suffer from anomalous heat, others from too harsh and snowy winters, unusual for those places. Ecologists unanimously talk about global climate alterations which cause global warming. These alterations include an increase in the average annual global temperature causing melting of glaciers, and an increase in the level of the World Ocean. There is also an unbalance of all natural systems, which leads to a change in the regime of precipitation, temperature anomalies and an increase in the frequency of extreme events such as hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
In conformity with scientists, in 2015 the average temperature of the planet increased by 1 ° C. This indicator was exceeded for the first time in modern history. Scientists agree that a human activity such as the burning of oil, gas, and coal leads to a greenhouse effect that causes an increase in average temperature. It makes topic global warming especially relevant. Experts note that the most significant increase in greenhouse gases emissions over the past 30 years has been observed between 2000 and 2010.
In conformity with the World Meteorological Organization, their concentration in the atmosphere reached a record high level in 2014.
All the states and citizens are responsible for global warming. If we do not begin to seriously deal with the problem of environmental protection, by 2100 the temperature on the planet can rise by 3.7-4.8 ° C. Climatologists warn that irreversible consequences for the ecology will occur even with a warming of more than 2 ° C.
The connection between climate alterations, the emergence of natural disasters and global warming also was proved by American scientists. They found traces of warming during the study of tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean, unusually high summer temperatures in Europe, China, South Korea, and Argentina, as well as forest fires in the US state of California.
The problem global warming can lead to the fact that some countries may become uninhabitable by 2100. It is due to higher humidity and a high average temperature. Western countries are doomed to the highest level of risk. Large mega policies with a developed air conditioning system can become an exception, but even there people will be able to leave their houses only at night.
Global warming can be a reason of disappearance of animals. Some scientists believe that we are in the middle of the sixth in the history of the Earth mass extinction of species. And this time this process is caused by human actions. If we are unable to reduce global warming, many ecosystems, species of living beings that are included in them, will become less diverse and rich. There are forecasts of extinction of up to 30-40% of plant and animal species, as their habitat will change faster than they can adapt to these alterations.
The UN experts warn that global warming actually affects yields, especially in the underdeveloped countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America, which can lead to food problems. In conformity with scientists, by 2080 the number of people facing the threat of hunger can increase by 600 million persons. Another important consequence of climate change may be a shortage of drinking water. In regions with arid climate (Central Asia, the Mediterranean, South Africa, Australia, etc.), the situation will be further aggravated by the reduction of rainfall.
Hunger, water scarcity, and insect migration can lead to an increase in epidemics and the spread of tropical diseases such as malaria and fever in the northern regions. Climate change can affect not only people’s health, but also increase the risk of political disagreements and conflicts for access to water and food resources.
Thus, if we do not stop global warming right now, then in the near future we will destroy ourselves with our own weapons. This is really a terrible threat, and everyone should start with himself to deal with it together.
Work Sites
- Global Warming Impacts | Union of Concerned Scientists,
- Effects of global warming – Wikipedia,
- Global Warming Effects Map – National Geographic,