Currently many people are worried about the effects that Global Warming is causing. But have you thought of the future effects of Global Warming? Scientists predict that the sea level is expected to increase dramatically during this century. Other shocking effects scientists expect are, a reduction in crop yields in tropical areas, the U.S. and even parts of Asia– all this because of an expected drought caused by Global Warming. In sub- Saharan Africa even small increases in temperature would dramatically reduce crop yields. These changes could lead to food shortages on top of problems the world is already facing such as famines.
Weather Changes
The weather is expected to become more severe. Floods and severe storms are expected to inflict serious damage along coastlines. An increase in precipitation is also an expected change. The precipitation levels will increase in high altitudes, and it will decrease in most sub-tropical land regions.
The Ocean is Also Changing
Researchers have found that the ocean is showing “dead zones” that extend from Oregon to California. Scientists say that this is due to a decrease in oxygen. There are also strong winds which promote the growth of plankton and it “holds low oxygen water on the continental shelf for longer periods.” Jack Barth an OSU professor of physical oceanography and a scientist with PISCO, stated that he expects Global Warming to generally cause stronger and more persistent winds. Jane Lubchenco, a marine biologist at Oregon State University, also supports Barth’s conclusion that the oxygen levels have decreased during the past fifty years. In 2006 says Lubchenco, the oxygen levels of the shallow shelf were completely lacking oxygen altogether. Both scientists say that these changes are unusual and are due to Global Warming.
So there you have it, for the future we can expect low oxygen levels and more dryness which will dramatically decrease crop yields all over the world. Global Warming will not create a very bright future for us.
Written by: Elvisa Daka
Sources:
http://unfccc.int/essential_background/feeling_the_heat/items/2905.php
