Global Warming in the Future
Scientists predict that global warming will continue at an unprecedented rate in Earth's history, and they predict even greater warming in the 21st century, depending on future greenhouse gas emissions. In a scenario with higher emissions, in which emissions continue to increase to a significant level throughout the century, scientists predict a warming of 2.4 to 6.4 degrees Celsius for the year 2100. In contrast, in a scenario with fewer emissions, in which these grow slowly until they reach a maximum in 2050 and then decline later, scientists predict a warming of 1.1 to 2.9 ºC by the year 2100.
The melting of the poles and glaciers, as well as the warming of the oceans, would cause an increase in the volume of the ocean and, therefore, a rise in sea level, which would cause a flood of coastal areas and even islands whole. Rain patterns are expected to change and more rainfall is expected at higher altitudes (closer to the poles) and less in subtropical areas (such as the Mediterranean and southern Africa). Changes in temperatures and rainfall could damage crops, disrupting food production in some parts of the world. Plant and animal species will move to the poles or to higher places looking for colder temperatures and those that are not capable of doing so will become extinct. Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere also cause an increase in the acidity of the oceans, damaging marine ecosystems.
Global Warming Predictions
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warned that, even if atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases stop increasing, the climate will continue to warm for a prolonged period, as a consequence of past emissions, and with effects more pronounced than those observed during the 20th century. If greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase, experts predict a worrying climate change.