Impacts of Climate Change

Impact on Temperatures IPCC report projected rise in temperature for the 21 st century: 1.1 – 6.4 o C (2.0 – F) Why so much variation in the estimates?

The impact of clouds

Change not equal everywhere. Arctic experiences more change.

Sea Level Changes Causes: 1.Melting of glacial ice 2.Thermal expansion of sea water

The IPCC report 2007 estimated a rise of between m (.59 – 1.93ft.) over the 21 st century.

Overall, precipitation will be higher. But, the distribution of that precipitation will be unequal. Precipitation

Lamont- Doherty Earth Observatory – Columbia University

Evaporation will increase and counteract much of the gain in precipitation.

Loss of Sea Ice and Permafrost The distribution and thickness of Arctic sea ice is being reduced. A positive feedback from this occurs because of reduced albedo.

Permafrost loss is resulting in increased release of carbon dioxide and methane: Another positive feedback. Melting permafrost in Russia

Methane Gas in Permafrost video FNDZIhttp:// FNDZI

Loss of Freshwater Resources from Glacial Melting China and India are heavily dependent on melt water from mountain glaciers.

Increasing Intensity and Geographic Range of Hurricanes? The fuel of hurricanes is warm ocean water.

Extinction of Species 2 o C warming would cause the threat of extinction to 15 – 40% of all species. Oceans particularly hard hit because… 1.Damage to coral from warming oceans 2.Acidification of ocean water