- Atmospheric concentrations of water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide have been increased as a result of industrialization, deforestation and pollution. These are greenhouse gases.
- Humans are imputting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere at a faster rate than the plants and oceans can absorb it. These gases have persisted in the atmosphere for years, so even if emissions were inhibited now, it would not completely eradicate the effects of global warming.
- Natural cycles in the Earth's orbit can alter the planet's exposure to sunlight, which may explain the current trend in the Earth's climate. These orbital changes cause the Earth to experience warming and cooling cycles over centuries. However, the changes experienced today have occurred over the past hundred years alone.
- Global warming is likely to lead to large-scale food and water shortages all over the world, having a devastating effect on wildlife.
- Sea levels are likely to rise between 7 and 23 inches by the end of the century. Many vulnerable coastal locations are very densely populated.
- Natural disasters will become a commonplace in many parts of the world.
- Over a million species of animal will face extinction from their disappearing habitats, changing ecosystems, and acidifying oceans.
- The ocean conveyor belt could be permanently altered, causing an ice age in Western Europe.
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