The consequences of global warming

                                                                      

Consequences for the climate

Likely  to produce other changes :

– retreat of glaciers, – melting of pack ice, – rise in average sea level,
– changes in  precipitation patterns, resulting in floods  and droughts,
– increases in the frequency  and intensity of extreme climate events such as hurricanes and cyclones, – changes in the circulation patterns of marine currents, such as the Gulf Stream and the North-Atlantic Drift, which could result in the cooling of certain regions (Western Europe, …). (see picture 1)

Some of these change have already started and can be traced back to global warming. In particular, this is the case with the melting of glaciers. These climate changes are clearly going to have consequences on the flora and fauna. It is forecast that a large number of species are in danger of disappearing.      (see picture 2)  

Consequences  for human beings

Besides an increase in natural catastrophes, agricultural yields could be modified and the zones where carriers of diseases such as cholera and malaria are present could be extended. Many growing populations living in tropical zones could be particularly impacted by climate change. Other populations could be displaced as a result of rising sea levels.

Whole peoples could see their way of life modified, like the Inuits of Kuujjuaq (Northern Canada) whose mayor, Larry Watt, ordered air conditioners in June 2006 after temperatures reached 31 °C !

Economic  consequences

Calculations of the economic impact of global warming are very difficult to make. Some economists speak of a cost of two euros per tonne of carbon, whereas others suggest 50 euros. Among the various figures put forward, one estimates that global warming might cost up to one percentage point of economic growth. It is worth noting that banks, insurance companies, farmers and developing countries are likely to be the most exposed. However, depending on the capacity of adaptation shown by the economy and by political organisations and on possible technological revolutions triggered by the challenge of climate change, a more optimistic outlook is not to be entirely excluded.

Some  positive consequences

Already, global warming is beginning to stimulate governments to work together to fight a  problem that concerns everyone – in itself quite a novel development. Global warming and energy issues also have a tendency to accelerate individual and political awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment. They are encouraging development of innovative technological solutions. Other more specific consequences expected are :

– lower winter mortality in the temperate zones,
– an increase in wood production,
– a rise in agricultural yields in temperate zones,
– increased water resources in certain dry zones close to the tropics,
– a drop in energy consumption  for space heating (but a rise in that used for air conditioning).