How will global warming affect my world?

New environmental
conditions could
affect food security
The effects of global warming on agriculture
will vary widely both from region to region
and from place to place. Changes in local
and regional temperatures, precipitation,
soil moisture, sunshine and cloudiness, and
extreme events such as storms and hail will
all have an influence. Other important variables
will include the species and cultivar
(variety) being farmed, soil properties, pests
and pathogens and air quality.
In general, the temperate mid-latitudes are
expected to receive more rain with global
warming. However, mid-continental areas
such as the US grain belt and vast areas of
Asia are likely to dry, as will much of
Australia. Less rain, warmer temperatures
and greater evapotranspiration could
reduce agricultural yields by a third or more
in these areas. Even though increased CO2
concentrations can stimulate crop growth
and yield, these benefits may not always
overcome the adverse effect of excessive
heat and drought.
In the tropics, many crops are already near
their maximum temperature tolerance, and
farmers are often unable to irrigate because
water supplies are inadequate. Where dryland
agriculture relies solely on rain – as in
sub-Saharan Africa – yields would decrease
generally with even minimal increases in
temperature. More extremes and a shift in
precipitation zones could worsen food security
in Africa.
While climate change could be linked to
local or regional food shortages, the world
as a whole would still grow enough food to
satisfy demand if global temperatures rise
by less than 2.5° C.
What can be done?
In temperate regions, initiatives by individual
farmers to adapt should suffice to prevent
losses to both crops and livestock and
could even lead to gains. In the tropics, the
efforts of farmers will prevent some losses
but not all.
Farmers can adapt by making appropriate
changes in planting dates, cultivar selection,
and pest and disease control strategies.
More expensive and organized efforts
– such as changing land-use allocations and
investing in irrigation infrastructure – can
further prevent climate-induced losses.
Monitoring climate and the projected
changes would provide a greater lead-time
for preparing solutions.
Environmental
changes will harm
human health
The World Health Organization (WHO)
defines health as “a state of complete physical,
mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
Global climate change will have a wide
and more....

global warming

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Global warming at the extremes of the earth:
Habitats and cultures everywhere react to climate's rapid changes

Polar Bear Listed in Endangered Species Act, but U.S. Government Limits Its Protection

The polar bear was officially listed as threatened under the U.S. endangered species act (ESA) on May 14, 2008. This the first creature brought under the act's protection for habitat loss that is linked to global warming. The official reason given was loss of Arctic sea ice and predictions that the ice will continue to decrease. Although global warming has been identified by most atmospheric and polar scientists as the main reason for Arctic warming and melting of sea ice, the U.S. Interior Department did not use this as a reason and clearly signaled it would not apply the law to greenhouse gas emissions.

Dirk Kempthorne, Interior Secretary, specifically said the listing would not prevent any sea ice from melting and that he would "make certain the ESA isn't abused to make global warming policies." This despite clear language in the ESA to control any activity causing harm to a listed species and requiring government agencies specifically not to jeopardize species by their actions. The wording of the listing document appears to be an attempt of the government to list the bear due to clear evidence of shrinking habitat yet not take all the steps to limit the loss. It seems analogous to President Bush's notorious "signing statements" limiting his acceptance of a Congressional law.

This could set up another court challenge by NGOs like the Center for Biological Diversity which originally brought the proposal and took the Interior Dept to court twice to get action.

"Threatened" under the ESA means a plant or animal may soon become endangered (at immediate risk of going extinct) if actions are not taken to protect it and its habitat.

See inside for more details on Arctic melting and polar bear habitat.


How will global warming affect my world?