Effects of global warming.....

The predicted effects of global warming not only impact the environment, but human life as well. Effects of global warming on the environment include glaciers, ecosystems and ocean currents, and sea level.

a) Impact On Glaciers

Global warming has so far and will continue to have negative effects on the glacier mass balance. From 1900-1980 there has been a recorded decline from 144 to 142 mountain glaciers. From 1980 to 2002 there has been a recorded net decline in all but a few mountain glacier masses. The biggest concern would be the failure of the glaciers in Hindu Kush and the Himalayas. These glaciers are the main water supply for China, India, and most of Asia. The complete melting of these glaciers would result in a major flow for several decades, however after that the most populated areas in the world could potentially run out of water.

b) Impacts On The Ecosystems And Ocean Currents

The continued increase in temperature will scientifically lessen the snow cap, create a rise in sea level, and produce weather changes. The combination of the effects of global warming will cause a change in the ecosystems. This change can potentially force animals out of their habitats endangering their existence and possibly even forcing them into extinction, while other animals may flourish. There is also the belief that global warming can affect ocean currents. An example of this would be the slowdown and likely shutdown of thermohaline circulation. This would lead to the localized cooling in the North Atlantic region such as Scandinavia and Britain who are warmed by the North Atlantic Drift.

c) Increase The Height Of Sea Level

A slight increase in sea level will make some densely populated coastal areas completely uninhabitable. For example, if the sea level raised a total of 4 meters practically every coastal city in the world would be drastically impacted creating major impacts on the world’s trade and economy. Within the next millennium a predicted 200 million people will be devastated with loss due to an irreversible glacier melt and rise in sea level. By 2100 the sea level is probably to rise 1 meter.