5 Disastrous Effects of Global Warming

A new study conducted at the University of Miami and the University of Reading (UK) provides the first observational evidence to confirm the link between a warmer climate and more powerful or "extreme" rainstorms. (Credit: NASA)

Global warming is the phenomenon of increasing average temperatures on the surface of our planet (air and oceans), which began several decades ago and is still continuing.

In 2005, the Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimated that during the past 100 years, the average global temperature near the earth’s surface had risen approximately 0.74 degrees Celsius and that this change was most likely due to the increased level of greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, due to burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas). Furthermore, it has been estimated that during the 21st century, global temperatures will rise an additional 1.1 to 6.4 degrees Celsius.

This significant increase in temperature is a Global issue called Global Warming. But how does this phenomenon affect mankind? Should we be alarmed by this? Are we directly affected by this 0.74 degrees Celsius increase in temperature?

Here are the 5 most disastrous effects of global warming.

Spread of Disease. How does climate change increase the spread of disease like malaria and cholera? Warmer global temperatures widens the geographic range in which carriers of diseases like insects, bacteria and viruse can survive. Diseases that were previously limited only to tropical areas may show up increasingly in other, previously cooler areas. As northern countries warm, disease-carrying animals migrate north bringing plague and disease with them.
More storms and hurricanes. Increasing global temperatures are likely to result in increasing precipitation in most areas. Storms and hurricanes may also become more common in the future. There would be increase in the incidence of heavy rainfall at a rate greater than predicted by current climate models have predicted. A warmer atmosphere contains larger amounts of moisture which boosts the intensity of heavy downpours. As greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, the storm damage from precipitation could worsen. Precipitation, on average, is likely to be less frequent but more intense.
Droughts and Heat Waves. Abnormally hot days and nights, along with heat waves, are very likely to become more common. Cold nights are very likely to become less common.Droughts are likely to become more frequent and severe in some regions. The strongest cold-season storms in the Atlantic and Pacific are likely to produce stronger winds and higher extreme wave heights.
Economic consequences. Hurricanes cause billions of dollars in damage and epidemic could cost money to treat and control and conflicts may exacerbate all of these. Agricultural damage may also bring scarcity of agricultural products. Calculations of the economic impact of global warming are very difficult to make. Some economists speak of a cost of two euros per tonne of carbon, whereas others suggest 50 euros. It is worth noting that banks, insurance companies, farmers and developing countries are likely to be the most affected. However, depending on the capacity of adaptation shown by the economy and by political organizations and on possible technological revolutions, a more optimistic outlook is not to be entirely excluded.
Melting of Ice Caps. Melting of polar ice caps posed a four pronged danger. First, it will raise sea levels. If all of the 5,773,000 cubic miles of water in ice caps, glaciers and permanent snow will melt the seas would rise by 230 feet. Second, melting of ice caps will bring imbalance to the ecosystem. Water from ice caps will desalinate the sea and it will affect ocean currents. Third, temperature rises changing landscapes in the arctic region resulting to damage to many ecosystems resulting in endangerment and extinction of many species of animals and plants. Fourth, ice caps are white which reflects sunlight back to space resulting to cooler atmosphere. When all of it is gone, the only reflector would be the ocean which is dark. Dark colors absorb heat from sunlight, bringing more warming effect on Earth.