What Will Happen If Global Warming Continues?

Scientists say that if global warming continues at its current rate, the average temperature on Earth will rise by nine degrees Fahrenheit (7.2 degrees Celsius). The rise in sea level will be between twenty and thirty centimeters (24 to sixty inches). While the emissions rate is slowing, it is still too fast to limit the temperature rise to 3.6 degF (2 degrees Celsius) above pre-industrial levels.

Climate change experts warn that unless governments take action, the effects will hit all of us. Yet, certain groups are likely to be more vulnerable to the consequences. Communities relying on agricultural and coastal livelihoods are likely to be particularly affected. And those living in tropical areas will feel the effects the most. Without action, these groups may be more likely to be displaced than others. If global warming continues, the effects will hit these groups hardest.

what will happen if global warming continues

Rising sea levels are one of the biggest threats to global warming. The melting ice sheets in the Arctic and Greenland will lead to a significant rise in sea level. The increased water will affect people living in these regions, plants, and wildlife. The rising waters will also affect coastal systems and island nations. If we do nothing to stop it, we will face a world where the sea level rises more than three feet higher than today.

Scientists are confident that the global temperature will continue to rise because of the greenhouse gases from human activity. In fact, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average temperature is expected to rise between 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit and 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. In the meantime, rapid action to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases will prevent more than one degree Celsius of rise on Earth. However, the effects of climate change will vary depending on how quickly we act and how adaptable different societal systems are to the change.

IPCC’s new report states that we must limit global warming to 1.5degC to avoid catastrophic climate change. The effects would be far more significant in the tropics than at high latitudes, but the benefits to humans and natural ecosystems would be clear. The goal of limiting global warming to 1.5degC would also ensure a more equitable, sustainable society. While previous estimates have focused on damaging effects at two degrees, this report clearly shows that the impacts of 1.5 degrees Celsius are also significant.

Several studies have shown that the average temperature change can be kept to under 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit if emissions are reduced. However, it will take decades to stabilize global temperatures. Despite the concerns and dire predictions, there is still hope for a dramatic reduction in emissions. The first IPCC report on global warming, titled Working Group I, was overwhelmingly approved by 195 nations. However, this report does not include all possible scenarios for the future of climate change.