LEARN ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE

The Earth's atmosphere naturally acts as an insulating layer. Gases such as carbon dioxide and methane trap heat from the sun and keep the Earth warm. Without this natural greenhouse effect, life would not be possible. Over the history of the Earth, there have been many fluctuations in global temperature. These temperature changes can be closely linked to changes in the amount of greenhouse gases contained in the atmosphere. During periods with a higher global temperature, there were greater amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and periods with lower temperatures are marked by lesser amounts of greenhouse gases. Currently, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere is greater than it has been in the last 420,000 years. While changes in climates are part of the Earth's natural system, the current rates of change in both temperature and greenhouse gas levels are unprecedented in recent Earth history. Additionally, the increase in global temperatures can be closely linked to increases in anthropogenic greenhouse gases.

NATURAL PARTS OF THE EARTH'S SYSTEM

Changes in climate are natural parts of the Earth's system. The current trend of global warming is different from natural changes because the rate of warming is unprecedented in the historic and geologic records. Due to the fast rate of climate change, scientists are concern that many of the Earth's natural systems will not be able to keep up with the changes.

According to the NOAA, 1998 was the warmest year on record, and geologic records suggest that it is the warmest year in the last millennium. That year is not an anomaly. Climate records show that the temperature of the Earth increased throughout much of the 20th century. In fact, 2001 was the 2nd warmest year on record.

Changes in climate are natural parts of the Earth's system. The current trend of global warming is different from natural changes because the rate of warming is unprecedented in the historic and geologic records. Due to the fast rate of climate change, scientists are concern that many of the Earth's natural systems will not be able to keep up with the changes'

EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change will affect humans, the weather, the ocean and ecosystems in many ways: 

• Higher ocean temperatures will lead to more storms, as well as storms of greater intensity
• Rising sea-levels will flood low-lying coastal areas, forcing human and animal populations to relocate
• Changes in weather patterns will have an affect on the geographic location of food and water resources
• Changes in weather and coastlines will significantly affect the world's economic and political systems
• Plant and animal species not able to adapt to climate changes or relocate quickly enough will not be able to survive
• A warmer and moister climate in New England will lead to higher incidences of infectious and vector-borne diseases, such as encephalitis and Lyme disease
• Warmer summer days will lead to more days with unsafe levels of ground-level ozone
• Warmer summers will lead to a greater number of heat-related mortalities

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