Polar ice caps melt due to global warming.
Global warming has an adverse impact on climate and weather patterns across the world. This environmental phenomenon causes average temperatures to gradually increase due to the trapped heat in the planet's atmosphere. As temperatures rise, so do other environmental problems, such as flooding and droughts. People, animals, communities and ecosystems are at risk of being exposed to these serious climate conditions.
Rising Sea Levels
Rising temperatures due to global warming are causing the ice caps to melt. According to a 2004 article in National Geographic News, scientists predict that much of the ice in the Arctic and Greenland could be gone by 2099. When ice caps and large glacial structures melt, sea levels rise and the result is that of flooding. Certain low coastlines will be flooded and covered by water, forcing communities of people -- and animals -- to move further inland.
Melting Himalayan Glaciers
Himalayan villages are in danger of becoming flooded due to melting Himalayan glaciers. A May 2002 article in National Geographic News says that many of the lakes in Nepal and Bhutan are nearly overflowing from all the melting that is occurring in the region. Accordingly, many people fear that it is only a matter of time before the lakes cannot hold any more water and the flooding begins. When the mud walls of the lakes burst from the pressure of the water, the communities and land beneath them will become devastated. According to the article, scientists have identified 20 dangerous lakes in Nepal and 24 in Bhutan.
Longer Heat Spells
One of the effects of global warming is that of longer heat spells. As average temperatures rise, certain parts of the world, such as deserts, stay hotter for longer. They experience fewer cold or cooler periods and, in turn, droughts become more frequent. A lengthy drought can devastate arid communities and ecosystems. Without rainfall, the survival of humans and animals is threatened.
Fires and Crops
Extreme temperatures and little rainfall cause everything to turn dry and pose severe fire risks to trees, shrubs and crops. With vegetation up in flames, food becomes scarce for humans and animals in the region. Additionally, droughts in farmlands can cause agricultural devastation, which consequently means that farmers cannot sell their crops, and people who relied on them will not have access to certain types of foods. Farmers may be forced to leave their farmland behind and move somewhere else that does not have as severe weather conditions.
