What Will Happen If Global Warming Continues

Global warming is happening, and there are numerous evidences to prove it. We are left with two options - either turn a blind eye towards the evidence of global warming, or acknowledge it and put in efforts to lessen the impact of this disaster. Among the various evidences, the most crucial is the fact that the global average temperature of the planet has increased by 1.8°C over the last century. While those who have turned a blind eye towards this phenomenon are least bothered, those who know the seriousness of this environmental issue are left wondering what will happen if it continues unabated? In order to get a good idea of that, we need to take into consideration the various effects of global warming on the Earth.

What is Going to Happen if Global Warming Continues Unabated?

It is predicted that the soaring surface temperature of the Earth will melt the water stored in the form of huge glaciers, in the Polar Regions as well as those at the high altitudes. These melting glaciers will affect the humans as well as animal species on the planet. A significant amount of freshwater is stored in these glaciers and if they melt, all the freshwater will be drained into the oceans, thus leaving us devoid of water to drink. Animals will be affected as large-scale melting of glaciers will result in loss of habitat for several species.

These signs of habitat loss for various species has also left environmentalists pondering about what will happen if warming continues at the ongoing rate. In fact, the Polar bears and Arctic foxes are already facing the threat of habitat loss due to excessive melting of ice in their natural habitat. Extinction of plants and animals will also occur as these species will not be able to sustain the climate change triggered by global warming. In fact, a look at the number of animals extinct in the last 100 years just adds to the grave concerns about the ability of various species to adapt to the rapid change in climate. Yet another example of animals extinct due to rising temperature is that of Monte Verde toad which was endemic to the tropical rainforests of Costa Rica.

The fact that water stored in these glaciers will be drained into the oceans will add to the volume of water in the ocean basins and result in abnormal rise in sea level. Melting ice may be the major contributor to the rise in sea level, but factors such as thermal expansion (i.e. expansion of water by heating) of the upper layer of oceans is also doing its bit to add to this problem. Rising sea level will submerge the low lying coastal areas, as increasing water in the various oceans of the world will encroach upon the land and flood these areas. A large number of countries will be affected by this phenomenon, including low lying countries such as Bangladesh and tiny Islands such as Maldives which will meet a watery grave. In fact, the sinking of Maldives is the best example of the looming threat in low lying areas.

Those who are not yet concerned about what will happen to the Earth if global warming continues also need to take into consideration the fact that a significant percentage of the world population lives in the big cities, such as New York and Mumbai, of these coastal areas. If ocean water encroaches upon land, these cities won't be spared either. In other words this will be a habitat loss for humans, as well. More importantly, the economy of these countries, as well as the whole world, will face a major setback if these cities go underwater. Yet another bad news for humans would be the spread of tropical diseases due to global warming. As this rise in temperature of the planet continues, the difference between the climate in polar areas and tropical areas will be diminished. As whole of planet will experience a tropical climate the diseases, such as Malaria, which are predominant to the tropical region will spread out to the subtropical and polar areas. Warm climate will also help the disease spreading insects, such as mosquitoes, to flourish in these regions.

Not to forget, the planet will also be subjected to various extreme weather conditions as a result of global warming. The climate pattern will undergo a drastic change, and untimely rains and droughts will become more frequent. Similarly, the frequency of hurricanes will increase as the rise in temperature will heat the ocean water, thus providing a nourishing environment for these natural disasters to occur. If you doubt this, the rise in the number of hurricanes over the last decade comes as yet another striking evidence of global warming for you. At the end of the day, the species which will be the most affected due to global warming will be human beings. We may be the most intelligent species on the planet, but we are also the most dependent on it.

One has to also understand that these are just some assumptions as to what may happen if global warming continues at the ongoing rate. In reality, its effects on Earth may be less severe than this-as we will adapt to the climate change-or much worse than this. The fact that we are dependent on the nature to a great extent makes us the most vulnerable to the threat of global warming, and thus the onus is on us to put in some efforts to save our planet.