Consequences of Global Warming for the Greenland Ice Sheet

Greenland ice sheet is a large ice body that acts like a carpet but melts as arctic temperatures rise. Its melting has raised alarm as it tends to make sea level rise this in turn has led to other consequences both on land and in oceans. Detrimental effects brought about by global warming have made it become an issue of great concern. Global warning refers to the gradual temperature increase taking place on earth; it takes place in the earth’s atmosphere as well as in the waters. It is believed to be slowly but permanently bringing about the climate change. Emission of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide The critical question when it comes to global warming is whether the changes in temperature being experience are manmade or just occurring naturally.

Do we blame entirely the emission of green house gases for the increase for the global temperature? Whether global warming effects are manmade or as a result of natural phenomenon, emission of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide has contributed and played part of increasing the global temperature. Most countries in the world have signed the Kyoto Protocol which is a treaty that is aimed at reducing emissions from the industries and carbon dioxide emissions. This is a step in the right direction and is expected to bear fruits. The melting Greenland ice sheet With increase in temperature rising there is possibility of much of the planet or earths ice masses being affected the sea ice is becoming thinner day after day. Info graphic on climate change The rate at which carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere is greater than the rate it is being absorbed by the earth and the oceans leading to global warming.

Global warming have long line of consequences on Greenland ice sheet this in turn has lead to detrimental effects on people wildlife and nature this affects the arctic and the rest of the world. More frequent and severe weather Global warming has led to higher temperatures this has made it worse especially when it comes to natural disasters. Drought, floods, storms and disasters like heat waves have proved more fierce, this has been due to the warmer climate, the warmer climate has created a different atmosphere that has changed the weather patterns this has led to different expectations on way weather behaves this has made atmosphere to collect and even retain more water. Additionally hot areas have become hotter and wet areas have become wetter (Peter). Previously extreme heats have claimed more deaths in America as compared to tornadoes, floods and lightning.

Contaminated air Rising temperatures has brought about air pollution this is due to the increasing ground level layer ozone, pollution from factories and motor vehicles usually react with heat and sunlight. The hotter it becomes the smog on the ground ozone makes the air dirtier. Dirty air has been associated with asthmatics this has led to increase in hospital admission rates and death emanating from asthmatics. People with cardiac and pulmonary diseases the situation becomes worse due to their health conditions. This poses danger and has huge impact on fisheries that have shells. This greatly affects coastal communities especially those that depend on under water animals their harvest is deemed to reduce affecting their economy. Higher sea levels Warming atmosphere is not sparing Polar Regions as well; temperatures in arctic are rising with Greenland ice sheets melting as well.

The consequences have affected not only people but plants and wildlife. Additionally sea levels have risen this is threatening the coastal systems and low lying areas, islands have also been affected. Hanna, Edward, et al. Increased runoff from melt from the Greenland Ice Sheet: a response to global warming.  Journal of Climate 21. Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States: A State of Knowledge Report. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press, 2009.