Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Global Warming



























"Climate model projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate that global surface temperature will probably rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during the twenty-first century The uncertainty in this estimate arises from the use of models with differing climate sensitivity, and the use of differing estimate of future greenhouse gases emissions. Some other uncertainties include how warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe. Most studies focus on the period up to 2100. However, warming is expected to continue beyond 2100 even if emissions stop, because of the large heat capacity of the oceans and the long lifetime of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.


Increasing global temperature will cause sea level to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts. The continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice is expected, with the Artic region being particularly affected. Other likely effects include shrinkage of the Amazon Rainforest and Boreal Forest, increases in the intensity of extream weather events, species extinctions and changes in agricultural yields."


Wikipedia