Consequences of Global Warming

It is a known scientific fact that higher levels of greenhouse gases will lead to higher world temperatures, which appears to be happening now. Despite the winter of 2008/9 being one of the coldest for many years, the world has in fact warmed by an average of 0.74 degrees Celsius during the last 100 years or so. We are now faced with melting ice caps, as well as Earth's land-based glaciers. This in time will cause sea levels to rise, floods, and the submersion of low-lying islands such as Tuvulu and even the Maldives, as well as the world’s coastal cities.

The issue of global warming

The above scenario is not science fiction but a reality which global warming could cause. Global warming is the increase in the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere caused by greenhouse gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane and ozone. There has been growing awareness and concern among people about this phenomenon. It has become a global issue although it is hotly debated in international circles. It has a fair share of supporters and critics. Its proponents warn that if immediate preventive steps are not taken it will have a disastrous effect on future humankind. Its detractors argue that the problem is grossly overestimated and nothing should be done. They also argue that the steps to tackle the problem will hinder economic progress.