The global climate has gone up only by 0.6 degrees Celsius (1 degree Fahrenheit) in the last 130 years and it has affected us greatly. Scientist say that if the global climate change rises to 2.5 degrees Celsius (36.5 degrees Fahrenheit) then we are going to see the major effects of the ice melting at the polar caps. In 1998, 46 million people lived in areas that were in risk of flooding. Scientist say that if the sea level rises by only 50 centimeters the number of people in risk of floods would rise from 46 million to 92 million people. Coastal wetland ecosystems would also be effect greatly since they are generally a few feet from sea level. Important parts to animal ecosystems such as salt marshes and mangroves would be particularly vulnerable to rising sea level. These areas provide habitat for many species, play a key role in nutrient uptake, serve as the basis for many communities’ economic livelihoods, provide recreational opportunities, and protect local areas from flooding. If the sea level were to rise all those roles that wetlands provide wold be gone. The rise in sea levels would also have an affect on weather. This could cause storms to be a lot more destructive then they have ever been. There would be more flooding, bigger and stronger hurricanes, and more northeastern storms. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/coastal/index.html
If its only risen .6 degrees celsius in the last 130 years, and we would greatly see the effects when its risen 2.5 degrees then we have time to think of solutions, what solutions have scientist been proposing, if any?
ReplyDeleteHow should people prepare for this sea level rising? Have scientist given any estimate to when they think the temperature will rise that much?
ReplyDeleteIf the sea level continues to rise, are there any species of animals that will be greatly affected, possibly to the point of extinction? I know with the melting of the ice caps, polar bears are greatly affected, but are there areas where the rise would destroy habitats enough to kill them off?
ReplyDeleteIs there time to think of solutions? How fast is this happening? should people be worried that live on coastal areas?
ReplyDeleteHow long would it take for the temperature to rise 2.5 degrees celsius?
ReplyDeleteWe need to start cutting back on anything and everything that pollutes the world. Whenever we put pollutants in the atmosphere the o-zone thickens and more and more ultraviolet rays come through and get trapped heating up the Earth. This causes temperatures to go up melting the polar caps, which then makes the sea level rise. So, we need to stop polluting or cut back a lot
ReplyDeleteThis is a problem that affects humans globally. It is up to us, and only us, to reverse the effects of global warming by using alternative energy to slow the release of pollutants into the air. We may not be able to safely cool our planet, but we may be able to keep it at a reasonable temperature. It is made clear in your post that if we do not find a solution soon, the effects could be horrific.
ReplyDeleteHow much of the earth will be effected by the rising sea level and what will they have to do when their homes are flooded?
ReplyDeleteTo Adeline, scientist think that by the year 2080 more then 33% of all coastal wetland will be submerged into the Ocean. They say the sea level may only rise 2 feet in the next century, but that all depends on how we act now. If we don't take care of the Earth that 2 feet could become 5-6 feet.
ReplyDeleteTo Asa, yes we have time to think to think about this but future generation won't. People that live in coastal areas should be worried because the rise in sea level between now and 2080 could make 33% of our coastal wetlands part of the ocean.
ReplyDeleteTo Brian, it all depends on how we act. If we don't change our ways it could only take a couple of centuries, if we start to take action in could me many many centuries from now
ReplyDeletejake gobal warming is a myth and the world goes in cycles and right now it is in oe of those cycles
ReplyDeleteI don't think global warming is a myth Ryan. It's happening and we need to change it. We need to think of a solution to fix this problem. What animals would be greatly affected by this? And should people have to worry?
ReplyDeleteJake, I found the statistic that a rise in just 50 centimeters in sea level could double the amount of people in risk of floods world wide to be astonishing! Much of the focus on this rise-in-sea-level topic has been on its effects on humans. However, I am curious to know how an increase in sea level would affect marine organisms and the marine environment. Would it drastically alter the food chain? Or would marine organisms benefit from an increase in sea level due to the melting of polar ice caps?
ReplyDeleteIs there anything we can do to lower sea level? Or is it already to late?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many people would be affected by only a 50 centimeter rise in sea level. It doesn't seem like a lot but it makes a huge impact.
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