Gemma Winnett’s Blog

Key Indicators of Climate Change

Here are some of the key indicators of climatic changes across the world.

The sea level is one of the prime indications of the climatic change. The coastal tide gauge records the average level of sea over a period of time. These measurements are done via global satellites and are updated every month. The general rise in sea level is believed to be caused by the thermal expansion of water due to rise in climatic temperatures.

The Arctic sea ice now reaches its lowest levels during the month of September every year. It is said the temperatures around the arctic are rising at the rate of 2 – 3 degrees every year. This results in the melting of ice which may again result in natural calamities.

Carbon dioxide concentration also contributes to climate change. This greenhouse gas is released through natural and man-made processes, mainly though deforestation and burning fossil fuels (which has been happening at such a rate, most industries are starting to delve into emergency fuel supplies). During the last three glacial cycles, it has been noted that the carbon levels have risen to an alarming level.

Global surface temperatures are being recorded and averaged over a five-year-period. When the annual temperature rises, it is natural that the surface temperature also rises with it. The temperatures are on an all time high right now, thanks to global warming! Canada, the UK and other northern countries experience a great deal of this heat.

The ozone hole is one of the prime indicators of climate change. Holes are formed in this layer due to human-produced compounds such as chlorine and bromine. The ozone is essential and acts as a protective layer between the sun and the earth, blocking ultraviolet rays. Continuous climate change is likely to cause the holes to grow bigger!

It is important that we all do what is necessary to prevent the worst case senario from happening in the near future.