Effects of climate change
The effects of climate change can be seen in
the UK and around the world. UK temperatures, including those of British
coastal waters, have already risen. Globally, extreme weather is
predicted to become more common and to have a negative impact on humans,
animals and plants.
Rising temperatures
Globally, 2000 to 2009 was the warmest decade since records began in 1850. The average temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth’s surface has risen by about 0.75 degrees Celsius since around 1900.The overwhelming view amongst climate science experts is that, if we continue to emit greenhouse gases:
- global temperatures could rise between 1.1 and 6.4 degrees above 1980 to 1999 levels
- this could happen by the end of the 21st century
Changing sea levels and temperatures
The sea level around the UK has risenGlobally, the average sea level could rise by 18 to 59 centimetres, or more, by the end of the century. Rising sea levels could swamp some small, low-lying island states and put millions of people living in low-lying areas at greater risk of flooding.
You can use Google Earth to see how climate change could affect temperatures and ice caps over the next century. Google Earth also lets you view the loss of Antarctic ice shelves over the last 70 years.
Extreme weather
Since rain records began in 1766, the amount of winter rainfall in England and Wales has risen slightly. However, over the last 45 years there is evidence that there have been more extreme rainfall events. UK flooding was the worst for 270 years in some areas and in 2009, some areas, like Cumbria, witnessed widespread flooding. Flood damage now costs Britain about £1 billion a year.Globally, continuing warming means that extreme weather events – like severe floods, droughts and tropical storms – are likely to become more frequent and dangerous. Such extreme weather events are likely to become more severe during in coming decades.
Plants and animals
A global temperature rise could make some species extinctFurther changes in rainfall and temperature will affect many animal and plant species around the world. Some species might be unable to adapt quickly enough and habitats might not be available for them to move into. If global temperatures rise by two degrees Celsius, 30 per cent of all land-living species could be threatened by an increased risk of extinction.
The cost of climate change
The Association of British Insurers estimates that UK households will pay up to four per cent extra each year due to extreme weather events.The costs of climate change are expected to be huge, as the Stern Report on the economics of climate change made clear. The report estimated that not taking action could cost from five to 20 per cent of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) every year. In comparison, reducing emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change could cost around one per cent of global GDP each year.
Food and water
As temperatures increase and rainfall patterns change, crop yields are expected to drop significantly in Africa, the Middle East and India.Water availability for irrigation and drinking will be less predictable because rain will be more variable. It is also possible that salt from rising sea levels may contaminate underground fresh water supplies in coastal areas. Droughts are likely to be more frequent. Up to three billion people could suffer increased water shortages by 2080.
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