Global Warming
Business Solutions
Over the past two decades the effect has
become more marked. Considerable evidence exists that most of this warming has
been caused by human activities.... that's to say we have altered the chemical
composition of the atmosphere through a build-up of greenhouse gases –
primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
What if we do nothing? Rising global
temperatures will cause sea level to rise and alter local climate conditions,
affecting forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It may also affect human
health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand and some of
our countryside may be permanently altered.
What will happen in the future if we do
nothing?
- Climate model simulations predict an increase in average surface air temperature of about 2.5°C by the year 2100 (Kattenberg et al., 1996).
- The likelihood of "killer" heat waves during the warm season will increase (Karl et al., 1997)
- The IPCC Second Assessment Report estimates that a sea-level will rise by approximately 49 cm over the next 100 years, with a range of uncertainty of 20-86 cm.
- Sea-level rise will lead to increased coastal flooding through direct inundation and an increase in the base for storm surges, allowing flooding of larger areas and higher elevations.
- Further melting of the Arctic Ice Caps (at the current rate)
could be sufficient to turn off the ocean currents that drive the Gulf
Stream, which keeps
What
can I do?
You have to go work and we all like being
consumers - but there are many ways you can help. Firstly, you need to
recognise how you personally impact global warming. Carbon Footprint will show
you how to minimise your impact - starting today - and show you how to make the
right product choices in the future.
