Ripple Effects

Global warming means far more than melting ice caps and polar bears struggling for survival. In fact, the ripple effects are extremely numerous and often severe.

       A decline in certain species is just one example. Take the caribou of Alaska whose population has dropped in number by over 60,000. Close observations and research has shown us several reasons which correlate with rising temperatures. With an increase warmer days, the breeding time for mosquitoes and other insects extends, and the caribous expend precious energy trying to escape from them. Winters also present a challenge to the caribou. Increased precipitation buries the lichen they feed on deep beneath the snow and makes it more difficult for them to escape predators. Cold rains  turn to sheets of ice, making it often impossible for the caribou even to paw out their food. These effects carry into the spring when late blizzards delay migration.

                

       Animal species are not the only ones facing a threat. Human health is in danger as well. Although global warming leads to increased precipitation in some areas, it causes severe drought in others. Agriculture is disrupted, water sources become scarcer, and many nations which already struggle with poverty mus confront even greater challenges. Wildlife struggling to keep up with temperature change will make finding reliable food sources even more difficult. The intensity in events such as floods or hurricanes will destroy the land, eliminating even more sources of food. Additionally, rising temperatures tend to increase levels of smog, threatening those with respiratory illnesses. Studies are already showing a dramatic increase in asthma among children. 

       Though humans may be able to look ahead and make possible adaptations, we can only test the environment so far. Unless new changes are incorporated fast, even the walls built up to prevent flooding will be ineffective. Within the next 70 years or so, millions may lose their homes along the coast. With the rising population placing more and more stress on our planet, this disruption will undoubtedly change the economy as well. Some areas may suffer more with certain issues in the beginning, but global warming is still a worldwide problem that requires attention in full force from ALL nations. Many predict extreme political strife between countries in competition for resources over the basic necessities of food and water as well as energy resources, which will also be affected by the changing climate.

Sources:

National Geographic Documentary

http://www.fightglobalwarming.com/page.cfm?

tagID=274http://globalwarming2020.com/2008/01/26/the-effects-of-global-warming-how-to-live-with-them/ 

Global Warming’s Effect on Crop Production

     Cynthia Rosenzweig, a member of NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, has been investigating this area through a group of crop models. These models were actually developed during the Cold War in order for the U.S to determine how much food the Soviet Union was producing. The models show crop growth and how much grain can be produced under different environmental conditions. To look at the future in a more intricate manner, Rosenzweig and several others also looked at how farmers and companies were likely to respond to changes in climate.

      Rosenzweig found both positive and negative factors. For instance, the higher levels of carbon dioxide might actually signal an increase crop production. The warming climates will effect crop production largely depending on location, though. For instance, Canada may actually have some benefits as the temperature warms because their growing season will lengthen. However, many countries which are already struggling with inadequate water supplies may suffer severly.

              

     Additionally, climates that are too warm may decrease plant growth. Another uncertain factor is the earth’s future pattern for wind and rain. However, many models predict that tropic areas might receive less precipitation than they require for sustainability.

     In Rosenzweig’s words, “Over and over again, our study and many, many following studies have shown that farmers in developing countries are more vulnerable to the changing climate.” These are the countries that are already facing poverty for large amounts of their populations.

     Climate changes and food production will therefore call for even more environmental stewardship. Plus, these models are only starting points. Much will depend on how much we continue to release into the air in greenhouse gases and how governments will choose to spend their money for environmental issues.

     Rosenzweig encourages optimism though: “This is how I look at it: Global climate change is the most important challenge that we face as a planet. But it is becoming a major impetus to move the planet toward sustainability.” In the near future, loss of crop production is expected to be severe. Increasing carbon dioxide levels might be able to balance the negative effects of climate change. However, jumping ahead 40 or 50 years, at least in the models we have now, we can see pressing conditions which will requre worldwide changes.

Sources:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15747012

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=15737145