Global warming and its consequences

In a nutshell

Global warming is caused by greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, which cause the Earth to heat up. It has serious consequences such as flooding, changing species distribution, less biodiversity and changing migration patterns.

Greenhouse gases

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap energy from the Sun, which means not all of the energy is lost in space. This helps keep the Earth warm. These gases are called greenhouse gases. The levels of two greenhouse gases are increasing: these are carbon dioxide and methane. These increasing levels of greenhouse gases are causing the Earth to heat up. Global warming refers to an increase in the Earth's average temperature.

Biology; Ecology; KS4 Year 10; Global warming and its consequences — 1. Energy from the sun, 2. Carbon dioxide and methane, 3. Energy trapped by gases.

Consequences

The result of global warming could be serious and damaging. Some consequences of global warming are explained below.

Flooding

1.	Higher temperatures cause seawater to expand and ice to melt, so the sea level rises.
2.	This could cause flooding of low-lying land.
3.	As a result, habitats will be lost.

Changes in the distribution of species

1.	Global warming may lead to changes in rainfall and temperature.
2.	This could lead to animals and plants moving, this changes the distribution of species.
3.	If an area becomes warmer, species that survive well in warm conditions may spread further and species that need cooler temperatures may have a smaller area to live in.

Less biodiversity

1.	Some species may not survive a change in the climate.
2.	These species could become extinct.
3.	As a result, biodiversity would decrease.

Changes in migration patterns

1.	Global warming could cause changes in migration patterns.
2.	Some birds may migrate further north as more northern areas are getting warmer.