Effects

﻿There are several possible effects of climate change. The following may give you a clearer understanding of what may happen to our environment if temperatures continute to rise.


 * The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that our climate has warmed 1.2 to 1.4F over the past century and projections indicate that it may warm an additional 3.0-7.0F during this century. An increased warming at that rate would be larger and faster than any other climate change in the past 10,000 years.


 * As temperatures rise, increased evaporation will lead to more water in the air for storms but also cause drying to some land areas. This will likely result in an increase of precipitation in storm-affected areas and possibly cause flooding. Areas that are not near storm regions will experience less precipitation and increased risk of drought. Research is inconclusive on a warmer climate contributing to a higher frequency of hurricanes.


 * Over the last century the sea level has risen worldwide by approximately by 4.8-8.5 inches. Sea level is increasing primarily because of the expansion of ocean water due to warmer ocean temperatures, melting of mountain glaciers, and small caps. The IPCC projects a six-inch to a two-foot rise in sea level during the 21st century. The sea level rise may be greater if the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets have sudden increases in ice sheet melt. Rising sea levels may contribute to coastal erosian, coastal flooding, and loss of coastal wetlands.


 * Warmer temperatures and precipitation will likely impact the habitats and migratory patterns of wildlife. Increased precipitation and droughts are predicted to increase the risk of extinction for some plant and animal species. However, many of those at risk plant and animal species are already at risk due to other factors.


 * Vegetation such as crops, plants, and forests benefit from a small amount of warming. If the temperature rises by more than a few degrees, vegetation in warmer climates may lack water and essential nutrients.


 * Increased temperatures may result in higher energy usage for air conditioning, irrigation, and hydropower.

Source: US EPA