How Does Global Warming Affect Our Climate

"How does global warming affect our climate?" is a question receiving attention by the public, media, government, and scientific experts. Global warming is a very real phenomenon, but no one fully understands the extent of its influence on climate change.

Climate change brought on by global warming is one of the greatest threats the planet is currently facing. As the planet's mean temperatures rise, weather patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, and ecosystems are falling apart.

Scientists measure global temperature by taking readings from thousands of thermometers all around the world, and then combine these readings with average sea surface temperatures to provide a monthly global average temperature measurement. Since the beginning of global temperature measurements, ten of the hottest years on record took place between 1997 and 2008. Between the 1850s and 2005, the average temperature on the planet increased by 1.36 degrees Fahrenheit. While this number may seem small, the rate of recorded average warming over the last 50 years is almost twice that for the previous 50 years.

Extreme heat waves are occurring twice as often now as they were 100 years ago, and scientists expect this rate to increase to 100 times as often over the next four decades. Heat waves increase the risk of wildfires and result in the death of tens of thousands of people.

You need not be a scientist to know that severe storms and weather events are occurring more frequently now than in the past. Over the last 30 years, the occurrence of category 4 and 5 hurricanes has nearly doubled. An increase in atmospheric and ocean temperatures is associated with the increased number of violent storms in recent years, as tropical cyclones thrive in warmer sea waters.

The increase in El Nino and La Nina systems may also result from warmer ocean and atmospheric temperatures. As temperatures rise, evaporation from land increases, sending more moisture into the air. This can lead to more intense storms and flooding.

As water heats, it expands. This thermal expansion is increasing due to warmer global temperatures, and accounts for approximately half of sea level rise. Additionally, rising temperatures melt glaciers, polar ice sheets, and sea ice, sending more and more water into the sea. The effect of rising sea levels is catastrophic on smaller islands and coastlines, causing displacement of populations and coastal flooding.

Droughts are a direct result of increasing global temperatures. In some parts of the world, drought conditions are already significant, and experts expect water shortages to increase by 66 percent or more in the near future. Droughts result in limited drinking water and a shortage of water for agricultural cultivation. This disrupts global food production and increases starvation rates, especially in developing countries.

Plant life now covers once frozen tundra, a reflection of increasing temperatures. Glaciers, which weigh approximately one ton per cubic meter, place pressure on the Earth's surface. As these glaciers melt, there is a resulting drop in pressure that may trigger serious geological reactions. Melting glaciers may lead to an increase in volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

A primary cause of global warming and climate change is an increase is greenhouse gas emissions. The burning of fossil fuels and the resulting increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to the greenhouse effect. By reducing your reliance on fossil fuels, you can reduce your contribution to global warming.

• Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste and reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
• Limit your use of air conditioning and heating to conserve energy and natural resources.
• Replace all the bulbs in your house with compact fluorescent light bulbs, which last ten times longer than standard bulbs and use about two-thirds less energy.
• Take mass transportation, carpool, or walk whenever possible to reduce carbon emissions.
• Purchase energy efficient appliances and products for your home and business.
• Turn down the temperature on your hot water heater to conserve energy, and use water in your yard sparingly.
• Plant a tree to help absorb carbon dioxide from the environment.
• Turn off your computer, television, and lights before going to bed at night and before leaving the house in the morning.
• Call your utility company for a free energy audit, and ask about rebates for installing energy efficient appliances.
• Encourage others in your community to take action to stop global warming and climate change.

How does global warming affect our climate? In every way possible. From temperature increases and droughts to weather changes and rising sea levels, global warming directly or indirectly affects every aspect of our climate. Perhaps the most devastating effect of global warming and climate change is the destruction of natural ecosystems. Changing climatic conditions threaten water, air, food, and other supplies that are essential for the preservation of all life on the planet.

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