Large Scale Irreversible Effects of Global Warming

Large Scale Irreversible Effects of Global Warming

  • Submitted By: jumpingjane
  • Date Submitted: 03/04/2009 2:15 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 514
  • Page: 3
  • Views: 712

Effects of Global Warming

Climate changes characterized as global warming are leading to large-scale irreversible effects at continental and global scales. Global warming is caused by green house gases that stay in the atmosphere for an extended period of time. Greenhouse gases including carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor, work to trap heat within the Earth's atmosphere (Naymushin, 2007). When greenhouse gas levels increase drastically, so does the Earth's ability to retain heat. High quantities of these gases are emitted into the atmosphere through the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture activities, and industrial processes. The increased production of these gases is scientifically shown to have accelerated the present cycle of global warming (Naymushin, 2007). No matter what we do, global warming will have an effect on Earth in several ways.
Changing global temperatures will have numerous repercussions on our planet, including drastic climatic changes and sea-level rise. Sea levels around the world are expected to increase 40 to 65 cm by the year 2100 (Naymushin, 2007). As temperatures increase, sea waters expand and glaciers melt. Even a minor increase in sea level will have drastic effects on coastal environments. When sea level increases, shorelines, barrier islands and wetlands may adjust by moving in toward land. Unfortunately, the use of hard protective structures, such as jetties, groins, and seawalls to stabilize the shoreline makes landward movement impossible, causing the flooding and eventual collapse of these vital ecosystems (Global Climate Change and Sea-level Rise, 2007). Even a moderate increase in sea level may lead to the gradual extinction of many coastal environments and species. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts that the United States will be the country most impacted by sea level rise. In the US, the greatest damage will occur on the Atlantic Coast, where even a small increase in sea level...

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