The article on global warming from Science Daily gives highlights the fact that global warming is the general increase in Earth’s temperature. The temperature on Earth’s surface is noted to have risen by 0.74 degrees centigrade in the last 100 years (Galileo 1). The main cause of such temperature rise is anthropogenic greenhouse concentrations, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Galileo 1). However, other factors causing warming are solar variation combined with the impact of volcanic eruptions. This report by IPCC has received endorsement from about 30 scientists and academies of sciences.
The report also indicates that the rise in temperature is bound to increase by 1.1 degrees centigrade between 1990 and 2100 which is causing greater concern to the human race (Galileo 1).
The IPCC report indicates that both sea-level rise and warming of Earth’s surface may continue despite the fact that there is a likelihood of greenhouse gas stabilization (Galileo 1). Oceans have greater heat capacity. When the global temperature rises, other simultaneous changes expected are a rise in sea level, changes in precipitation patterns, and abrupt change in weather. The other side effects are noted as changes in agricultural yields, extinction of some species, glaciers retreat, and an increase in some disease vectors. Glacial retreat has been witnessed since the 1800s (Galileo 1). Scientists are still uncertain about future patterns of events, how warming will vary in every part of the globe and the changes that will accompany it. There is already a big public outcry culminating in the world re-grouping to come up with sustainable solutions on how to counteract the effects of the global temperature rise. One such body is the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing emissions.
When temperatures rise, other effects include increased precipitation which will result in flooding and drought. It would also be followed by an increase in frequency and weather patterns. The agricultural yields are also expected to change, eating and clothing patterns will likely alter, some species will naturally extinct, there will also be an increase in vector-borne diseases which will affect human beings. Other expected changes are water scarcity and water-related wars as well as changes in mountain snowpack.
The global warming debate has sparked enough attention and has brought nations and environmentalists together in seeking sustainable solutions. By the statistics of IPCC, it is creating an awakening call to the human race that life on Earth may be unbearable if something is not done today and it requires the effort of everyone (Galileo 1). However, big nations with greater environmental emissions are reluctant to join the world in fighting for compulsory emission reduction signed through the Kyoto protocol, which means that despite the efforts, not much may be realized and the future survival of the human race is at stake.
Reference
Galileo, Alpha. “Shifting Patterns of Temperature Volatility in the Climate System.’’ Science Daily, 2013. Web.