Global Warming Predictions

Astronomy Picture of the Day · 2009-04-21 · NASA (public domain)

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Global Warming Predictions — APOD for 2009-04-21

How much will the Earth's surface warm up over the lives of our children? No one is sure. Compared to the past 100 million years, the Earth is currently enduring a relative cold spell , possibly about four degrees Celsius below average. Over the past 100 years, however, data indicate the average global temperature of the Earth has increased by nearly one degree Celsius . Few disagree that recent global warming is occurring, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC ) has concluded that we humans have created a warming surge that is likely to continue. A future temperature increase like that shown on the above predictive map may cause sea levels to rise , precipitation patterns to change, and much pole ice to melt. The result could impact many local agricultures and the global economy . Geoengineering projects that might include artificial cloud creation might reduce the amount of warming sunlight that reaches the Earth 's surface.

Astronomy Picture of the Day for 2009-04-21 — image & explanation courtesy of NASA (public domain), mirrored at Tukuk-OS for reading and search convenience.

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