The True Effects of Global Warming

 

 

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The True Effects of Global Warming: Why the Whole World is Suffering

You might think that only certain parts of the world are being affected by global warming, but that isn’t true. Global warming has been affecting our whole planet—and it won’t be too long before we all see the effects of it. If you want to learn more about what global warming will mean for the world, keep reading!

Oceans Warmed at Alarming Rate

The oceans have warmed at an alarming rate. The average ocean temperature has increased by more than one degree since 1970, but it has increased three degrees in some parts of our oceans. As a result, coastal areas are being hit with extreme storms and flooding as sea levels rise. Additionally, fish species are migrating to cooler waters and coral reefs—the source for 25 percent of our oxygen—are being bleached out by rising temperatures.

Forest Fires

Each year, wildfires burn more than 10 million acres across North America. These fires release a substantial amount of carbon dioxide, among other pollutants. While we’re focused on climate change and global warming here in North America, it’s important to understand that humans affect climate worldwide. All around our planet, people are cutting down trees for firewood and clearing land for farming or industry—all activities that release carbon dioxide into our atmosphere at an alarming rate.

Deadly Diseases

There are a variety of illnesses that are becoming increasingly prevalent as temperatures rise and our weather patterns change. Certain infectious diseases, such as mosquito-borne West Nile virus and Dengue fever, pose a risk to both animals and humans. Malaria, spread by mosquitoes from infected birds, also increases when it’s hotter. A 2015 report in Medical News Today predicted there would be as many as 5 billion cases of malaria by 2080 due to changing global temperatures.

More Floods, Hurricanes, and Tornadoes

One obvious, visible effect of global warming is an increase in extreme weather. This kind of extreme weather will always be a natural part of life on Earth—but global warming makes it worse by putting additional stress on weather patterns, increasing their severity and volatility.

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Record Temperatures Worldwide

According to NASA, April 2017 was hotter than any previous April on record. In addition, every month in 2016 set a record for being warmer than any before it. A yearlong study by NOAA found that each of the three months from October 2015 to December 2015 had broken their monthly temperature records; in fact, all 12 months from May 2015 to April 2016 were among their top ten warmest respective months. Furthermore, September 2013 was confirmed as our planet’s hottest month ever recorded—by far!

Animals are Suffering Too

If you’re surprised by how many different species are experiencing global warming’s effects, you aren’t alone. Scientists were shocked by a recent study that found climate change was affecting 48% of all vertebrate species in both temperate and tropical areas. From baby eels to coral reefs, animals are being hit hard. Animals adapt to their environments, but they can only do so much—especially when their habitats are changing at an accelerated rate.