Climate Change Article

Many different terms are used to define this phenomenon such as climate change, global warming, and global change. Climate change refers to a distinct change of climate that lasts for a long period of time. It can effect any number of things. Global warming is an average increase of temperatures near the earth’s surface. Global change is a broad term used to define the global environment. The global temperature has risen 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit over the past 100 years. Scientists have been able to link 90% of this issue to human activities releasing more and more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Scientists predict if we can continue to live the lives we live, we will see a 3-7 degree increase by the year 2100. Climate change and warming affects humans in many ways. Increased frequency and intensity in heat waves are prone to cause many more heat related illnesses or death. Vegetation and forestry are expected to decline due to drought in many areas and increased heat and decreased precipitation.  Events such as floods and droughts are more likely to become more common in increased climates. As stated above, adjusting to such changes is extremely costly and could drive the economy into even deeper turmoil. Fragile ecosystems could be damaged and could cause long lasting affects on almost every ecosystem in the world.