BackClimate change caused by humans - one of the most serious problems of humankind
Temperature measurements from 1860 until today are considered the main proof of global warming. These show an increase of 0.74°C in the air temperature near the ground. The year 2005 was the warmest year since recording of the temperatures started. During the last 30 years the temperature rose by approx. 0.17°C per decade according to the temperature analysis of the Goddard Institute.
The greenhouse effect-and why it "works too well"
In its origins, the natural greenhouse effect of our atmosphere is a good, even essential, thing. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) or methane (CH4) let solar radiation pass through to us. On the "way back", however, they retain the infrared radiation reflected by the Earth. Without this effect it would be bitterly cold on Earth.
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution this effect is being considerably amplified artificially through the action of humans (=anthropogenic). The burning of fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and the deforestation of forests that is so important for CO2 resorption lead to a significant accumulation of gases with a climatic effect in the atmosphere, finally leading to the warming of the Earth.
Melting glaciers, at the poles or in Greenland, among others,
are leading to a sea-level rise.
Rising Temperature - Rising Seas
IPCC's world climate report from 2007 evaluated several scenarios and concluded that-depending on the use of energy-a temperature increase of between 1.8°C (best case) and 6.4°C (highest scenario) is going to happen by the end of the 21st century. This would lead to a sea-level rise of between 18 and 59 cm. Should it come to a permanent warming of considerably over 3°C, a complete deglaciation of the inland ice in Greenland can be expected, and sea levels of plus 7 m would be a possible result. It is impossible to determine what that would mean for the coastal regions.
Important Consequences
Experts not only expect the rise of the sea level as a problem, but also the increasing aridity of whole regions, extreme weather phenomena, a change in biodiversity, and, last but not least, many millions of climate refugees, who would have to change their domicile because of changing living conditions. So we are also facing a moral duty.
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