Background Information: Global Warming Science
The Science
The atmospheric temperature is predicted to rise by as much as 11 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100Changes in Carbon Dioxide (CO2) concentrations in the atmosphere correlate strongly with changes in temperature.
In the last 100 years, carbon dioxide concentrations have risen by 90 parts per million (ppm), or about 30% to current levels around 379 ppm.
75% of the increase in CO2 levels is due to human activities of fossil fuel (coal, gas and oil) burning - industrial facilities and automobiles primarily comprise this fossil fuel consumption.
The recent increase in CO2 concentrations was preceded by about 10,000 years of relatively constant concentrations of atmospheric CO2 at about 280 parts per million.
The present concentration of CO2 has not been exceeded during the past 420,000 years and likely not during the past 20 million years.
The current rate of increase is unprecedented during at least the past 20,000 years.
To date, the increase in carbon dioxide has contributed about 70% of the enhanced greenhouse effect.
There is a greater likelihood of more variable precipitation patterns: increased incidents of floods and droughts
Ocean temperatures are warming
Snow cover and ice extent have decreased
The global average sea level has risen
The Impacts
Increased temperatures mean more hot days and heat waves and resultant increased incidence of death and serious illness in older age groups and urban poor.
Increased temperatures mean increased risk of damage to a number of crops, and greater demand for electric cooling.
More intense rainfall events in some regions lead to increased flood, landslide, avalanche and mudslide damage
Increased incidences of drought in other regions leads to decreased crop yields, decreased water resource quantity and quality and increased risk of forest fire.
Animals and plants have been forced to migrate northward to cope with rising temperatures, threatening ecosystems, reproductive habits, and biodiversity.
The heat content of oceans has increased, forcing migration of aquatic species.
Higher temperatures have extended the range and activity of pest and disease vectors
Agricultural production patterns are threatened
Tens of millions of inhabitants of coastal communities are threatened by flooding due to sea level rise
Click here for our Privacy Policy
About Us | Contact Us