There are many general consequences occurring all over the world as a result of global warming. Heat waves, floods, tornadoes and other forms of violent weather are becoming more and more common with devastating effects in the loss of property and human lives. Scientists predict that the world’s supply of water will start to dry up and that forest fires will become larger and more intense due to the drier nature of the forests and the trees. Glaciers are melting at a dramatic pace, which is only one of harbringer of the effects that global warming is having on the polar ice caps of the world.
Europe, with its many countries and large population, is now beginning to see the effects of global warming. Scientists have documented changes that have already occurred in a greater length of the growing seasons, the retreating glaciers due to faster melting and the shift in the range of species of wildlife in most of the countries of the continent. Climate change is expected to have a dramatic effect on the natural resources of each country. These experts predict that there will be more flash foods and coastal flooding which will have a huge impact on cities and towns.
In the mountainous areas that are heavily dependent on tourism, the economy will likely suffer as the climate warms extensively affecting ski slopes and making mountain climbing more treacherous. The southern countries of the continent, which enjoy warm temperatures that draw millions of tourists, will likely see increasing temperatures which in turn will affect agriculture because it will cause crop failure and drought. The higher temperatures will also deter the tourists during the now anticipated tourist seasons of the year. These increases in temperature will also place a significant drain on the energy resources in an effort to cool the interiors of homes and buildings and cause a rise in costs. Heat waves will also bring an increase in disease and a decrease in forest production due to stunted growth.
In Northern Europe, there are both advantages and disadvantages to global warming. The increase in temperatures will reduce the strain on energy resources and decrease the need for extra heat in the colder winter months, which are becoming warmer. The increasing precipitation will aid in crop and forest productivity. At the same time, storms are becoming more frequent with more snow falling in areas that traditionally did not receive large amounts of this form of precipitation. This endangers ecosystems, some of which are already diminished and very vulnerable to change.
