Chapter 9: Problem 28

Does global warming increase the surface temperature of all parts of the Earth by equal amounts or by different amounts? What consequences does this have?

Short Answer

Expert verified

No, global warming does not increase the surface temperature of all parts of the Earth by equal amounts. Such variations ranging from the amplified warming in Arctic regions to Urban Heat Island effect in cities, lead to consequences like sea level rise, more intense weather events, heat stress, and increased vector-borne diseases.

Step by step solution

Understand Global Warming Impact

Global warming does not increase the surface temperature of all parts of the Earth uniformly. Some regions may experience more apparent increases in temperature compared to others. This varying influence of global warming can be attributed to factors like geographical location, local climate, and ecosystem attributes.

Explain Regional Variations

Due to the differences in geographical location and environmental factors, some regions absorb more heat than others. For instance, Arctic regions are heating up twice as fast as the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic Amplification. Factors contributing to this include the melting of ice, changing albedo effect (i.e., less ice leads to less reflection of solar energy and more absorption), and changes in ocean and atmospheric circulation. On the other hand, urban areas may experience heat increase due to the Urban Heat Island effect, where concrete and asphalt absorb and re-radiate heat.

Discuss the Consequences

These varying temperature increases lead to a range of environmental and social consequences. With the Arctic warming at a higher rate, the melting of ice caps and glaciers increases, contributing to sea level rise and consequent coastal flooding. Warmer temperatures in ocean surfaces can lead to more intense hurricanes. In terms of societal consequences, increased temperatures can lead to heat stress in urban areas, impact agriculture and thus food availability, and can also increase vector-borne diseases like malaria.

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Does global warming increase the surface temperature of all parts of the Earth by equal amounts or by different amounts? What consequences does this have?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Global Warming Impact

Explain Regional Variations

Discuss the Consequences

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