Future Consequences of Global Climate Change.

If the current rate of climate change continues then there will be many substantial consequences that will impact our planet.  If the average ocean water temperature continues to increase then the arctic ice caps will continue to thaw and melt at a faster and faster rate.  Also tropical storms and cyclones will intensify in size and strength because they thrive in warmer waters.  Some other consequences may include droughts and hotter, longer lasting heat waves.  Scientists are predicting these future problems from recent events, the warmer our climate has gotten the worse these problems have gotten. Scientists are so confident in their predictions that they are even predicting future consequences of climate change in different continents.  For example:

"North America: Decreasing snowpack in the western mountains; 5-20 percent increase in yields of rain-fed agriculture in some regions; increased frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves in cities that currently experience them.

Latin America: Gradual replacement of tropical forest by savannah in eastern Amazonia; risk of significant biodiversity loss through species extinction in many tropical areas; significant changes in water availability for human consumption, agriculture and energy generation.

Europe: Increased risk of inland flash floods; more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion from storms and sea level rise; glacial retreat in mountainous areas; reduced snow cover and winter tourism; extensive species losses; reductions of crop productivity in southern Europe.

Africa: By 2020, between 75 and 250 million people are projected to be exposed to increased water stress; yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50 percent in some regions by 2020; agricultural production, including access to food, may be severely compromised.

Asia: Freshwater availability projected to decrease in Central, South, East and Southeast Asia by the 2050s; coastal areas will be at risk due to increased flooding; death rate from disease associated with floods and droughts expected to rise in some regions." from http://climate.nasa.gov/effects/


Site used:http://climate.nasa.gov/effects/