The effects of Global warming are vast. As the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere rises, the global average temperature reaches its highest point in millennia. The warming is amplified in the Arctic and subsurface sea ice. Although scientists don’t yet have a definitive scientific consensus, they say the warming may reach 10 degrees Celsius. The adverse effects of such dramatic climate changes are incalculable. Consequently, scientists are exploring ways to reduce the global warming effect.
Natural climate change
As the ultimate source of energy in Earth’s climate system, the sun has a natural role in causing climate changes. Studies have shown that the sun’s activity varies over the centuries. Satellite measurements of sunspot numbers reveal that the sun’s output changes on 11-year cycles. Geological records also reveal long-term variations in sunspot numbers. Natural climate changes are also a result of human activity.
Humans produce greenhouse gases, which trap outgoing heat. Other substances, such as aerosols, reflect sunlight and influence cloud formation. Changes in these factors affect temperature and cloud formation. In a recent study, the carbonclick.com Brief used a simple statistical climate model developed by Dr. Karsten Haustein to examine the relationship between the effects of human activities and natural climate change. The results suggest that human-caused warming is the primary cause of global warming.
Human-caused climate change
There is a growing partisan divide over the issue of human-caused climate change, largely due to the fact that a recent poll found that people believe that the increase in temperature since the Industrial Revolution is caused by humans. But the reality is much different. A recent Gallup poll found that the vast majority of Americans believe that the increase in temperature is primarily due to human activity. So what is human-caused climate change?
A heatwave recently ravaged the western and northwest US, fueling a wave of catastrophic wildfires. It would have been impossible for such a heatwave without human-caused climate change. Although temperatures have moderated in the northwest and Canada, this weekend’s heat is expected to set new records in California. The effects of climate change are already evident in the human migration patterns. Despite the positive news, it is still important to remember that humans do not live in a vacuum, and their climate-related decisions are impacting the lives of people all over the world.
Greenhouse effect
To help students understand how the Greenhouse Effect affects the environment, they should act out the process with a family member. They should describe what the Greenhouse Effect does to the Earth and why it is so important. After the simulation, students should fill out a Family Response Form with their answers. This activity will help them understand the concept of stewardship and how they can show stewardship in their lives. They should also learn about the Greenhouse Gases and the Greenhouse Effect and how it causes global warming.
The amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is increasing, following a curve called the Keeling curve. This carbon dioxide is produced by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, cement production, and tropical deforestation. Observations at the Mauna Loa Observatory show that CO2 levels have risen over the last 150 years. This is the highest concentration of CO2 that scientists have measured since the geological record began. The CO2 levels observed today exceed their maximum values.
Impacts on ecosystems
While climate change has already had a profound effect on humans, the potential to change ecosystems is even greater. By increasing the average temperature of the planet, global warming is altering the interactions between organisms and changing their habitats. This warming will cause more extreme events and shift ecosystem structure. Some ecosystems will collapse almost instantly, perhaps even this decade. Regardless of how fast it occurs, global warming is a serious concern for people, ecosystems, and the future of our planet.
Because ecosystems respond to climate change in complex ways, physical changes in ecosystems may result in economic and human consequences. The increased frequency and severity of extreme events in ecosystems can have larger economic and social consequences than normal conditions. The most significant consequences of ecosystem changes will likely occur if they are not reversible. Ecosystems are critical to the survival of human society and therefore, they are subject to changes in temperature and precipitation.
Impacts on people
The IPCC predicts that global temperatures will rise about a degree or two by the end of this century, causing net annual costs of around $1 trillion. While this rise is largely expected in developed nations, other parts of the world will experience higher increases than this.
Nevertheless, the impacts of global warming are likely to be felt worldwide for centuries to come.
But if we do not act now to prevent the effects of global warming, the damage will be far worse.