What the Experts Say

The US National Aeronautics and Space Administration said global warming is an increase in the average temperature of Earth’s surface. Since the late 1800′s, the global average temperature has increased about 0.7 to 1.4 degrees F (0.4 to 0.8 degrees C). Many experts estimate that the average temperature will rise an additional 2.5 to 10.4 degrees F (1.4 to 5.8 degrees C) by 2100. That rate of increase would be much larger than most past rates of increase.

Scientists worry that human societies and natural ecosystems might not adapt to rapid climate changes. An ecosystem consists of the living organisms and physical environment in a particular area. Global warming could cause much harm, so countries throughout the world drafted an agreement called the Kyoto Protocol to help limit it. (Source: http://www.nasa.gov/worldbook/global_warming_worldbook.html)

Another organization, the Time for Change defined Global warming as the observed and projected increases in the average temperature of Earth’s atmosphere and oceans. The Earth’s average temperature rose about 0.6° Celsius (1.1° Fahrenheit) in the 20th century, see temperature graphs below.

Fig. 1: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 1'000 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/images/b/bb/1000_Year_Temperature_Comparison.png)

Fig. 2: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 150 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/wiki/Image:Instrumental_Temperature_Record_png)

Fig 3: Definition for global warming: Temp. increase in the last 25 years (graph from http://www.globalwarmingart.com/images/a/af/Short_Instrumental_Temperature_Record.png)

(Source: http://timeforchange.org/definition-for-global-warming-what-is-global-warming)

After knowing these, it is also important to know its effects. For additional information on this topic,view the ‘Effects in our Localities’ page or simply follow this link: http://ischoolsmjvmerjudio.wordpress.com/about/