Global Warming & New Energy Solutions

Photos:  © 2006 Bamshad Houshyani

 The continued addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere is likely to raise the earth’s average temperature by several degrees in the next century. Most of the world is expected to warm and beside extreme changes in climate, the sea level will raise. Although sulfates may limit warming in some areas. Scientists currently are unable to determine which parts of the world will become wetter or drier, but there is likely to be an overall trend toward increased precipitation and evaporation, more intense rainstorms, and drier soils.

Since 1979, scientists have generally agreed that a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide increases the earth’s average surface temperature by 1.5-4.5°C (3-8°F). More recent studies have suggested that the warming is likely to occur more rapidly over land than the open seas.

The warmer temperatures are expected to raise sea level by expanding ocean water, melting mountain glaciers, and melting parts of the Greenland Ice Sheet, which results in disappearing land surfaces and costal areas.

Scientists generally agree on the likely rise in the average global temperatures over the next century. Unfortunately, projecting the change in particular regions is more difficult. Nevertheless, there is a general consensus that temperatures will warm throughout the globe.

 Global Warming  Renewable Energy  Sustainable Development  GHG  Kyoto Protocol