How Does Global Warming Affect Our Climate?

Global warming describes the increase of the earth's average temperature beginning with the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century. Although increases to the planet's average temperature have been recorded in ice core data for millions of years, the speed and frequency of the current temperature increase has resulted in this recent heating episode being called global warming. It is attributed to the increase in the burning of fossil fuels initially for steam engines and then in the creation of electricity. Both the fossil fuel consumption and temperature rise curves have increased exponentially in the last two centuries, leading the scientific community to conclude that the use of fossil fuels is the one of the main causes of global warming. The evidence supporting this conclusion is now overwhelming, with governments, corporations and individuals realising the implications and the importance of reducing its causes.

Why is reducing fossil fuel burning important and how does global warming affect our climate? The earth's climate is defined by a complex system of meteorological elements such as temperature, humidity and rainfall that have been recorded over an extended period of time. The planet is also divided into different climatic categories, including tropical wet, mediterranean and arid to name a few. In the last two hundred years or so, changes to the planet's climate have occurred. These are predominantly attributed to global warming or the increase in average surface temperatures around the globe. The affects of global warming have significant implications for earth's climate.

Global warming actually affects the planet's climate in a number of ways. Increased temperatures are the principle cause of climate change as they cause more evaporation to occur in the oceans, resulting in more frequent and extreme rainfall events. Over land, higher temperatures can produce drier and hotter weather conditions leading to increased desertification or enlargement of current arid climate zones. Although, global warming relates to an increase in the average world temperature, different regions will experience different climatic effects. In general, most regions will become warmer and drier, however many regions will also experience colder temperatures and increased precipitation. These variances will continue to increase, resulting in uncharacteristic weather patterns with extreme events, like hurricanes and cyclones intensifying. Changing climate also has many implications for flora and fauna that have adapted to present weather conditions. Species that cannot migrate or adapt quickly enough may become extinct. Humans will also be affected, as the distribution of arable land may change, making it harder to grow crops. Extreme weather events can also endanger settlements and human lives.

One of the most concerning affects of global warming is the increased melting of polar ice caps, resulting in rising sea levels. This process actually increases global warming because less radiation from the sun is reflected by the ice back out to space. Instead more sunlight is absorbed by land and water fueling further warming and increased melting of polar ice. Climate is also affected by this process as many weather systems are influenced by ocean currents at the poles. The large volumes of melted fresh water from the ice caps can alter ocean currents potentially causing significant changes to the global climate.

To mitigate the affects of global warming on the planet's climate it is essential that the human activities resulting in this process be minimised. If global warming does not slow down, the people, animals, and plants of earth will face a host of challenges as a result of changing climate. FWR Group is doing its part to increase the sustainability of our clients and reduce the causes of global warming affecting the world's climate. To find out more about our past and present projects or how we can guide you through the green maze visit this website.

FWR Group Pty Ltd provide our clients with sustainability consulting services for all facets of the emerging sustainable development sector, including technology, strategic planning, sustainable business and education/training industries. We can, for example, source, consult on, and manage all aspects of sustainable development, including sustainable housing and development. Our ongoing relationship to the sustainable development industry, including housing, education, community, and national/international sustainability networks, allows us to provide comprehensive solutions and initiatives for sustainable technologies and development needs.

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