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Statistics and information on Global Warming
2005 was the hotest year ever recorded and it matched 1998. That is the two hottest days on record happening within a decade of each other. Is this a coincidence?
Of the 25 hottest years we have recorded, nine of them have been the last nine years. This is unheard of in historical terms and is likely to indicate an underlying problem.
Temperatures in the oceans and on land are nearly a degree hotter than they were a hundred years ago. In fact the last 30years has show an acceleration in the rate of temperature increase. Some attribute this to additional carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere.
Storms, hurricanes and severe bad weather patterns are becoming far more common place and are growing in intensity. This appears to have been happening since the 1970's. The increase in surface temperature of the earth increases the intensity of tropical storms and storm systems.
Measured concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are found to be 31% higher than they were in 1800 This is an increase from 280 parts per million to 367 parts per million. This concentration my reach levels of 970 parts per million by the year 2100.
Storms, severe weather and hurricanes caused $100 billion of damage to the american coast in 2005.
It is estimated that by 2030 Glacier National Park will be devoid of glaciersthis shows both the speed and severity of the global warming problem.
The Arctic sea ice is melting at an alarming rate. 400,000 square miles are thought to have disappeared. This threatens the habitats of the animals that live there and further speeds up the the effects of global warming. This melting has taken only 30 years.
One of the major causes for concern is the rising ocean levels. In 100 years we have seen a rise of nearly 20cms. This not only destroys coastal communities but also reduces the amount of fresh water available to us.
Rising sea levels, melting ice and increased land and ocean temperatures is wiping out plant and animal species. This could be as much as 15-37% by 2050.
America is the number one global warming polluter. Please send this on to friends and family.