Health Effects of Global Warming
The Dangers of Temperature Increases from Global Warming
One of the most notable things that will take place as a result of global warming is that of the higher temperatures in the world. Many places have already experienced this concern, including the cities of Phoenix and Las Vegas. There was a full week in 2007 when the cities of Phoenix and Las Vegas had temperatures that went at least 110 degrees or higher, and this was the first time in history that this has happened. Those aren’t the only places that have been impacted from temperature increases from global warming though.
The increase in the levels of greenhouse gases have made a significant impact on the temperatures around the world. Water vapor, carbon dioxide and methane have become more prevalent in the atmosphere. Much of this has been caused by the pollution that is created around the world. In fact, with more water vapor in the atmosphere there will be higher humidity levels, thus creating an impact that will be even higher than that of the actual temperatures.
With the higher levels of greenhouse gases there are higher temperatures as a result. The Journal of Climate has estimated that since 1979 temperatures have increased by about half a temperature point. Ocean temperatures around the world have been increasing by a little less than the same rate.
The projected increased of temperatures from global warming are expected to be even higher. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that from now to 2100 there is expected to be an increase between two degrees Fahrenheit and eleven degrees in the average temperatures around the world. These are incredibly dire predictions but with the increase in greenhouse gases over the past few years this is a prediction that has become quite logical.
Another major factor into what causes these temperature increases involves the polar ice caps. With the higher levels of greenhouse gases ice caps will be more likely to melt. This will keep the planet from being properly cooled off.
There will be many health effects that will be caused as a result of the higher temperatures. Instances of heatstroke and heat exhaustion will be likely to increase. Also, with warmer temperatures in the water major tropical systems like hurricanes will be more likely to occur, and some of them will be more likely to have strong levels of power.
Warmer temperatures can be dangerous to the health of certain people. For instance, the elderly and children are going to be more susceptible to the heat than other people are. With the constantly increasing temperatures going around the world more of these people could end up suffering serious health issues from the heat include fatigue and dehydration. All people will be susceptible to heat exhaustion as well.
Those with heart problems will be significantly impacted by higher temperatures. With the extreme heat that is produced from the temperatures from global warming this will significantly cause the heart to work harder than needed. Those whose hearts are not perfect will be significantly impacted from this and could suffer heatstroke or heart attacks.
Also, warmer temperatures will make an impact on the water that people use. When the water is warmer it will be more susceptible to water pollution and air pollution. This in turn will hurt the health of people who use the water that has been affected. In some cases cholera could even occur.
The risk of certain diseases will be increased as a result of global warming. Areas that have mosquitoes and various insects at high levels will be especially impacted. That’s because diseases that are more common at warmer areas will be more likely to be spread by these insects, and with the temperatures from global warming being higher in many cases this will be a serious problem. Yellow fever and malaria are among the most common of these diseases.
Seasons for diseases could be extended too. When temperatures become higher and rainfall patterns continue to be as favorable as they are through the global warming seasons can be significantly increased. This includes seasons for the flu and colds.
The last of the health effects of global warming is in regards to people with asthma and other respiratory disorders. Smog and other types of pollution will be more prevalent as global warming continues to advance. When more pollution is present people with respiratory disorders will find it especially difficult to breathe outdoors, thus causing potential disorders like shortness of breath and in many cases death.
These are all important dangers that everyone should be aware of in the temperature increases from global warming. The greenhouse gases that are becoming prevalent are important to understand, and the ice caps are melting as well. Because of this there are more instances where temperatures are increasing at higher levels. This is something that will not only happen in warmer areas like Las Vegas but also in places that are not used to the temperatures.
Those are some of the most important health effects of global warming. These effects can be dangerous, and unless everyone does their part to help reduce pollution and other factors that cause global warming these effects could possibly increase.
