Week of December 8, 2008

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What might global warming mean for the future?

You probably wouldn't notice a change of just one degree in temperature, but even a small change can have a big effect on the environment over time. The words you see here explain what scientists say are the biggest risks of global warming. Temperatures have risen greatly in the Arctic over the last 50 years. This temperature increase has caused Arctic icebergs to begin to melt. This could have serious effects, ranging from the raising of sea levels around the world to higher ocean temperatures. Some experts say that if global warming goes unchecked and the sea levels rise, coastal areas could eventually be wiped out and millions of people would be forced to find new places to live.

One recent study looked at the way Earth's weather patterns might change in the next 100 years if the warming trend continues. This study indicates that some western and eastern sections of the United States will get extremely hot during summer. It also forecasts increased dry spells for other areas, including the Gulf Coast, followed by violent rainstorms. Other scientists have predicted that global warming might be behind the rise in hurricane activity in recent years, because hurricanes are more likely to become intense when the water is warmer. And global warming damage would hit poorer parts of the world hardest because those areas are least prepared to handle any environmental damage or natural disasters. What do you think people can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? Should there be stricter laws controlling this?

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