Background info:
Global warming has also been referred to as 'The Greenhouse Effect' or 'The Climate Change'. Any of these terms represent an alarming phenomenon that our planet is undergoing. The gas most responsible for this event is carbon dioxide (CO2). Other gases also contribute to this problem such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) and ozone (O3). Carbon dioxide is added to the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels, cutting of forests, and the wastage of soil humus (1).
Effects:
Accumulation of greenhouse gases will influence the temperature of the atmosphere and the earth's surface. Carbon dioxide absorbs and emits radiation at wavelengths typical of the earth and atmosphere. Solar radiation comes into the earth's atmosphere, and then returns to space. If there is a build-up of carbon dioxide, it will prevent the radiation from escaping into space therefore trapping it in the atmosphere. This is what increases the temperature of the earth's surface. The potential effects of global warming are dependant on many factors. Currently, the possible climate change is being modeled to predict outcomes in different areas (1).
Outcomes and Predictions:
Some of these models include:
1) If no new control measures are implemented, the global mean surface air temperature will be about 1 degree Celcius higher by 2025 than in 1990, and 3 degrees Celcius higher by the end of the twenty-first century. If control measures are implemented immediately they may slow this warming, but are unlikely to stop it because reductions of over 60% will be needed to hold concentrations at present levels.
2) Warming may be more pronounced over southern Europe and central North America. This will be accompanied by reduced summer rainfall and soil moisture for crops.
3) The global sea level is expected to rise by about 20 cm by 2030, and by 65 cm by the end of the twenty-first century.
Several predictions can be made from these outcomes:
1) Warmer winters.
2) A longer growing season for crops.
3) Drier crop conditions in many parts of the Midwest and Great Plains.
4) Widespread melting of the permanently frozen ground (permafrost). These predictions are very hypothetical and may never occur, or they may occur with lesser effects than stated above.
