For decades, greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide have been increasing in the atmosphere. But why does that matter? Won't warmer weather be nicer for everyone?.
3.1 Rapid Changes In Global Temperature.
Increased greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect has contributed to an overall warming of the Earth's climate, leading to a global warming (even though some regions may experience cooling, or wetter weather, while the temperature of the planet on average would rise). It is the rapid pace at which the temperature will rise that will result in many negative impacts to humans and the environment and this why there is such a world-wide concern.
3.2 Small Average Global Temperature Can Have A Big Impact.
Just a few degrees increase in the earth's temperature can cause droughts and crop failures, ecosystem imbalances, as well as melting ice caps causing sea levels to rise. The best estimates by the CSIRO predict annual warming over Australia by 2030 to be ~1 °C. (Climate Change in Australia CSIRO Report) WWF's report ˜Australia's Inconvenient Truth' suggests just a 1-2 °C increase in temperature will devastate 60-80% of the Great Barrier Reef and eliminate 100% of Acacia species in SW Australia. Further increases having an effect on agricultural production, catchment water flows, habitat degradation and species loss. .
3.3 Extreme Weather Patterns.
Most scientists believe that the warming of the climate will lead to more extreme weather patterns such as: more hurricanes and drought; as well as longer spells of dry heat or intense rain (depending on where you are in the world). Scientists have pointed out that Northern Europe could be severely affected with colder weather if climate change continues, as the arctic begins to melt and send fresher waters further south. It would effectively cut off the Gulf Stream that brings warmth from the Gulf of Mexico, keeping countries such as Britain warmer than expected; In South Asia, the Himalayan glaciers could retreat causing water scarcity in the long run.
