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In her second article on global warming, BBC Broadcast Meteorologist
Helen
Willetts explains what we can do about the problem.
By the summer of 2050 temperatures will have risen by around
2 degrees or more in England and Wales, 1 to 2 degrees for Scotland
and Northern Ireland. Just a small rise in temperature will
result in more hot days in cities (temperatures over 30C).
Drier conditions are also expected, especially in the Southeast.
However heavy rainfall events are likely to be more frequent.
Winters are expected to be milder, so there will be a reduction
in the number of frosty nights.
It's difficult to ascertain whether the world weather is becoming
or will become more extreme. The scenario of more storms, hurricanes,
tornadoes etc is far from proven, although indications from
the Hadley Centre are for a greater frequency of deep Atlantic
depressions.
The consequences of these changes are far reaching. Consider
for example that floods and droughts are likely to increase
in number and severity. Diseases, such as malaria, spread by
mosquitoes depend on local climate, especially temperature.
Different flora and fauna flourish under various climate regimes,
but cannot respond quickly to change. Nature reserves, often
established to protect particular species may no longer be located
within a climate hospitable to that species, making them prone
to disease and pests.
Humans are more adaptable to different climates, but heat and
water stress are likely to become more of a problem.
Uncertainties in future predictions arise due to imperfect estimates
of future emissions of greenhouse gases and sulphur, which in
turn depend on population growth, energy demand, economic factors.
What can we do to slow down this warming?
By sharing technologies, experience and resources we can hopefully
lower the greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the threat of
global climate change. Choose clean energy options where available,
such as wind, solar and wave power, these do not emit greenhouse
gases and are renewable. Individually, we can recycle material,
insulate our homes, take public transport and think about energy
efficiency in the home.
The effects of global warming and a changing climate will not
be felt equally across our planet. Poorer nations are generally
more vulnerable to the consequences.
We are confident that putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
will lead to a continued warming of the earth's surface. However
there will be consequential changes in the climate system which
will either magnify or reduce the rate of warming. Our incomplete
understanding of this feedback leads to substantial uncertainty
in the predictions.
So what has been written here is more an indication of what
change can be expected as opposed to a firm forecast. A balance
is needed between the needs of the living and our obligations
to future generations.
Useful link
Global Warming - An Overview
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