by Joseph Nzioki

Created on: August 20, 2010   Last Updated: October 12, 2011

Effects of Global Warming

The environment is a key factor in the existence of human life on the planet. However, the recent change in the climatic conditions has left many wondering whether human beings and all the other living things will be able to cope with the future climatic conditions on the planet. “The warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising global mean sea level. The Earth's average surface temperature has risen by 0.76° C since 1850”. (European Commission on Environment Journal). The polar bears are on their way to extinction as well and the effects of drought are already felt in Africa.  “The effects of

sea levels, and decreased snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere”.(Wikipedia). This is clear evidence that the effects of global warming are with us and their impact are being felt.

“Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increase sufficient to cause climatic change”. (Global warming Journal).  It is the change in weather patterns worldwide since the 20th century. It includes the rise of sea levels due to increased temperatures in the atmosphere. Global warming has been caused by irresponsible human activities on earth. The industrial and agricultural revolution has led man to pollute the environment in an attempt to feed the rapidly increasing world’s population. The developed nations have been notorious in contributing to the phenomena due to their increased manufacturing of goods and extensive land use.  “Most of the world’s top scientists agree that, emission of carbon dioxide and other green house gasses, fossil fuel combustion and land use changes are caused from human activities such as industrial processes and are causing the earth to get warmer”.(UNEP Journal).

            The effects of global warming are far reaching and if left unchecked may lead to world with a non-conducive environment to support human survival and life for other living things. These effects include failure of consistent rainfalls all over the world, increased droughts in Africa, the rest of the world, the extinction of the polar bears, rise in sea levels, the melting of ice in Antarctica and increased temperature in the atmosphere.

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