The latest scientific data confirms that the earth's climate is changing rapidly. Global temperatures increased by about one degree Fahrenheit over the course of the last century, and will likely rise even more rapidly in coming decades. The cause? A thickening layer of carbon dioxide pollution and other greenhouse gases, mostly from power plants and automobiles, which traps heat in the atmosphere. Scientists say that the earth could warm by an additional 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit during the 21st century if we fail to reduce emissions from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. This rise in average temperature will have widespread effects. Sea levels will rise, flooding coastal areas. Heat waves will be more intense and more frequent. Droughts and wildfires will occur more often. Disease-carrying insects will expand their range.
The global rise in temperatures will have varying effects on our environment and
Ecosystem. Warmer water in the oceans pumps more energy into tropical storms, making them more intense and potentially more destructive. Warmer temperatures could also increase the probability of drought. Greater evaporation, particularly during summer and fall, could heighten drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. Current rates of sea-level rise are expected to increase as a result both of thermal expansion of the oceans and melting of most mountain glaciers and partial melting of the Antarctic and Artic ice caps. Consequences include loss of coastal wetlands and a greater risk of flooding in coastal communities. The increase in global temperatures is expected to disrupt ecosystems and result in loss of species variance, as species that cannot adapt die off.