What are the Consequence of Global Warming?

The earth surface temperature has increased by about 0.5°C but it is suggested that mean global temperature will rise by 2-6°C. During the next century and the concentration of CO, will reach 600 ppm

The rise in global temperature and consequently unfavourable climatic conditions will also affect number of species. The loss of genetic resources may take place on a large scale. The change in wind a precipitation pattern will play an important role in altering the biotic communities.

Insects and pests may increase and coupled with higher humidity, pathogenic diseases will multiply. The increase in temperature will also affect agriculture in different parts of the world. In order to cape with alteration in cropping pattern, pest resistance varieties will have to develop. Some of the serious consequences of global warming are:

(I) Increase in surface temperature of earth.

(II) Sudden changes in rainfall and temperature pattern.

(III) Rise in sea level causing increased wave attacks and inundation of waste lands.

(IV) Changes in rainfall and temperature patterns.

(V) Increase in frequency of hurricanes, floods and erosion.

(VI) Increase in tropical fever diseases and other health problems.

Green House Effect and Ozone Layer Depletion

The green house gases in the troposphere provide thermal insulation while these gases are considered responsible in causing ozone depletion in the stratosphere. The depletion of ozone layer could neutralize some of the warming effect caused by higher concentration of green house gases.

Global Warming and Human Health

Temperature changes may have an impact on several categories of diseases including cardiovascular, erebrovascular and respiratory diseases. High temperature overloads the thermo regulating system of the body.

Communicable Diseases

The distribution of range of diseases which correlated with temperature could be affected by global climate changes. It occurs likely those communicable diseases problems will be aggravated by climate change.

Immune System

The UV Radiation affects the immune system of the skin and hence these might be an increased number of cases of skin cancer.

Water, Food and Changing Climate

The ability of the earth to produce food depends heavily on elements such as ground water, the genetic diversity of human species and productive soil. Fertilize soil is losing its productivity in many parts of the world because of erosion and salinization. The direct effect of CO, on plant growth and use of water complicate efforts how future climate change effect, agriculture, forests and other ecosystems.

Rise in Sea Level

Rising sea level may be one of the most widely felt and easily recognized consequences of warmer global climate. Currently, sea level rising, it is estimated that sea level may rise from about 0.5 to 1.5 metres in response to 3 to 5° C increase in temperature.

The issue of global warming is important because an increase in the average temperature of only a few degrees could lead to the melting of glacial ice, a rise in sea level, and flooding of coastal regions.