Regardless of whether global warming is a "part of the natural cycle" or it is caused by man's interference with the environment; our children and their children will feel the impact.

How it will impact them, depends on where in the world they live. Advanced countries are already taking steps to minimize the changes and damage to their own countries. Smaller countries and third world nations do not have the resources to protect their citizens as well.

We are already seeing species starting to die off and some are looking at extinction. 25% of the worlds coral reefs are now dead due to pollution and increasing water temperatures. Sugar maples are dying off and producing less maple syrup every year. Insects are moving into areas they never would have been able to survive in before and they are threatening species of plants that were safe from these pests. If the planet's ecology is damaged too much; there will be famines, extinction of many different species; and the diseases that follow death and decay.

Rising sea levels are already submerging small islands in delta areas and people are losing their homes and livelihoods. This increases the number of people who will be migrating to the cities and decreases the number of farmers.

Animals and some fish are migrating to cooler locations and this will cause a surplus for some places; but, shortages in others. Countries that lose resources may try to follow their herds and schools of fish, even if it means invading other countries territories and causing more wars.

Fresh water will be in shorter supply than ever; because, melting polar caps and glaciers are going into the ocean and salt water is rising and backing up into areas that were once fresh. Some countries are already building or reopening desalinization plants to try to meet future needs.

The effect on our children will be: fresh water and food will be in short supply and there will be fewer species available - food and water prices will go up; rationing may be needed in some areas. There will be less land for people to live on, so cities will become even more crowded and the cost of property will increase. Some areas will see a decrease in energy costs as they no longer face extremely cold winters; but, other areas will see such high increases in summer temperatures that their energy use will increase. Warmer temperatures increase pest problems and diseases are more prevalent in warmer climates. If your children live in one of the "fortunate areas" they will see easier living; if they live in a less fortunate area they may face disease, famine, and the loss of their family lands to rising water.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Kazay.
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