The potential effects of global warming have been well documented. Greenhouse gases can produce weather changes resulting in increasing overall earth temperature, promoting extreme weather, cause the destabilization of local climates and induce more evaporation. The effects on our oceans can equally wreak havoc. The potential for sea level rise, sea temperature rise and the acidification of the ocean water are all possible. These potential problems can cause economic impacts far beyond what we’ve seen to date.
Agriculture
The potential for agricultural harm from global warming is great. Although some local areas may benefit from a rise in local temperatures the majority won’t. Increased temperatures will result in an increase in evaporation. On one hand, all of this water vapor will increase the amount of rainfall that can fall in any given area causing flooding and erosion while many other areas may be prolonged in drought. In addition higher carbon dioxide levels can increase the amount of ozone gas near the ground. Excessive rain and erosion, drought and ozone all can decrease crop yield, potentially causing food shortages.