Climate change: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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[[Climate model]] projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate that the global [[surface temperature]] is likely to rise a further {{nowrap|1.1 to 6.4&nbsp;°C}} {{nowrap|(2.0 to 11.5&nbsp;°F)}} during the 21st century.<ref name="grida7"/> The uncertainty in this estimate arises from the use of models with differing [[climate sensitivity|sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentrations]] and the use of differing [[Special Report on Emissions Scenarios|estimates of future greenhouse gas emissions]]. Most studies focus on the period leading up to the year 2100. However, warming is expected to continue beyond 2100 even if emissions stop, because of the large [[heat capacity]] of the oceans and the long lifetime of [[carbon dioxide]] in the atmosphere.<ref name="Archer-2005"/><ref name=solomon-2009/>

An increase in global temperature will cause [[sea level rise|sea levels to rise]] and will change the amount and pattern of [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]], probably including expansion of [[Subtropics|subtropical]] [[desert]]s.<ref name="Lu-2007"/> Warming is expected to be [[Arctic shrinkage|strongest in the Arctic]] and would be associated with continuing [[retreat of glaciers since 1850|retreat of glaciers]], [[permafrost]] and [[sea ice]]. Other likely effects include changes in the frequency and intensity of [[extreme weather]] events, [[extinction risk from climate change|species extinctions]], and changes in [[agricultural yield]]s. Warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe, though the nature of these regional variations are uncertain.<ref name="IPCCSynthesisReport2007" />

Warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe, though the nature of these regional variations are uncertain. Regions that are likely to be most affected by global warming are the Arctic, Africa, small islands, and Asian megadeltas. Across all regions, some population groups are particularly at risk from the effects of global warming, e.g., the poor, young children, and the elderly.<ref name="IPCCSynthesisReport2007" />

[[Politics of global warming|Political]] and [[global warming controversy|public debate]] continues regarding global warming, and what actions to take in response. The available options are [[Mitigation of global warming|mitigation]] to reduce further emissions; [[Adaptation to global warming|adaptation]] to reduce the damage caused by warming; and, more speculatively, [[geoengineering]] to reverse global warming. [[List of Kyoto Protocol signatories|Most national governments]] have signed and ratified the [[Kyoto Protocol]] aimed at reducing [[greenhouse gas]] emissions.