|
"Global Warming is an average increase in the temperature of the atmosphere near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global climate patterns. Global Warming can occur from a variety of causes, both natural and human induced. In common usage,'Global Warming' often refers to the warming that can occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities" (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007, para. 1).
Local climate throughout the world plays a huge part in the prevalence of some diseases, as well as in other threats to human health. Loss of life is directly affected by extreme temperatures, while the incidence of serious infectious diseases is indirectly impacted by climate-related disturbances in ecological systems, such as changes in the range of infective parasites (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007).
Region of habitation, relative vulnerability of population groups, extent and duration of exposure to climate change itself, and society's ability to adapt to or cope with the change are all factors that affect the extent and nature of impact climate change will have on human health. At the same time, the quality of medical care and public health systems may lessen this impact (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2007).
|
"The global mean surface temperature in 2006 is estimated at +0.42C above the 1961-1990 annual average (14C) making it the 6th warmest year on record" (MeteoWorld, 2007, para. 2).
"Sea-ice extent was at its second lowest after the 2005 record, showing more than 8.9% decrease per decade" (MeteoWorld, 2007, para. 8).
"Projected sea level rise from 1990-2100 is anywhere from 0.09-0.88 meters" (National Climatic Data Center, 2007, para. 5).
|
