The climate models based on emission scenarios indicate that the temperature increases may be larger than previously estimated. Even if countries reduce their GHG emissions, the Earth will continue to warm. Predictions by 2100 range from a minimum of 1.8° C to as much as 4° C rise in global average temperatures. Increase average temperature, which will lead to a wide range of impacts and this includes,
- Continued loss of polar ice and glaciers, and resultant rise in sea levels
- More frequent and more intense storms and cyclones
- Increased intensity of precipitation
- Changes in rainfall pattern leading to severe water shortage or flooding
- Increases in the frequency and intensity of heat waves
- Increasing salinity of coastal freshwater aquifers
- Coastal erosion/ soil erosion
- A loss of biodiversity
- Shifts in crop growing season leading to food security
Rising fossil fuel burning and land use changes have emitted, and are continuing to emit, increasing quantities of greenhouse gases into the Earth’s atmosphere. These increasing amounts of greenhouse gases (GHG) have caused a rise in the amount of sun’s heat withheld in the Earth’s atmosphere, parts of which normally radiates back into space. This increase in heat has led to the, resulting in climate change.
Climate change refers to a change of climate that is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and that is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods (IPCC definition).
According to the scientists, the warming trend of the earth is faster than at any given time in history. An increasing rate of warming has taken place in the last 25 years. The Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2007) dispelled many uncertainties about climate change. The IPCC Report gives detailed projections for the 21st century and these show that global warming will continue and accelerate.
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Source: UNEP/GRID–Arendal, 'Climate change: processes, characteristics and threats', designed by Philippe Rekacewicz, UNEP/GRID–Arendal Maps and Graphics Library, 2005,
http://maps.grida.no/go/graphic/climate_change_processes_characteristics_and_threats
