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AROUND THE WORLD 4: Effects of Global Warming

During the past month, the United States has seen some disastrous flooding in New Orleans due to hurricane Katrina. Meteorologists warn that we are now entering a cycle of more severe weather, and the concern is not limited to the United States.

Scientists are watching the global warming effects in the Arctic. They have discovered that the ice in the region is melting at record levels.

Lead scientist Ted Scambos at the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado reported to a local newspaper that melting artic ice accelerates warming temperatures.

Ice in the Artic is at its minimum level during September after the summer melting season. On September 21, the sea ice was at its lowest recorded level of 2.05m square miles. In 2001, the overall decline of sea ice was 6.5%. Since that time, the percent of melting ice has been greater than average. This year, the average decline of sea ice is at 8%.

Part of the problem is that the temperature in the Arctic region has been 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than in the last 50 years.

The loss of ice means local wildlife will be threatened, sea levels will rise and land will be lost.

--Written by Teresa Liao

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