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| The United States | - | Rising Temperatures | - | Water Shortages |
| The Polar Ice Cap |
- | Storm Intensity Level | - | Changes in Sea |
| Threat to Species | - | Deforestation | - | Disease Infestation |
The
United States - In 2006 reports indicated
that the US was the
world's largest polluter. Although Americans make up just 4 percent of
the world's population, they produced over 20 percent of the world carbon
dioxide pollution (2007
EPA Report). Due to rapid growth in China, some reports indicate that
China has recently surpassed the US as the world's largest polluter.
Rising Temperatures - Over the past 50 years, the average global temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. Scientists say that unless global warming emissions are curbed, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9 degrees higher by the end of the century. (ClimateCrisis.org and Natural Resource Defense Council).
Water shortages - In 2000, 31 countries with a collective population of half a billion people were experiencing chronic water shortages (New Internationalist). Global warming can lead to water shortages because more water molecules evaporate and are suspended in the air. This evaporation also leads to increased concentration of pollutants in water.
The Polar Ice Cap - NASA scientists have found that the polar ice cap is melting at the rate of 9 percent per decade. Arctic ice thickness has declined by 40 percent since 1965. (Natural Resource Defense Council)
Storm Intensity - The surfaces of most tropical oceans have warmed by 0.25-0.5 degrees Celsius during the past several decades. A slight increase in ocean surface temperature can dramatically intensify coastal storms. (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association and ClimateCrisis.org)
Changes in Sea Level - Global sea level has already risen by four to eight inches in the past century, and the pace of sea level rise appears to be accelerating (Natural Resource Defense Council).
Threat to Species - The first comprehensive assessment of the extinction risk from global warming found that more than one million species could be committed to extinction by 2050 if global warming pollution is not curtailed (Natural Resource Defense Council).
Deforestation - The Earth’s forests absorb CO2, produce oxygen, anchor soils, moderate the climate, influence the water cycle and provide a rich habitat for millions of species of plants and animals (New Internationalist).
Disease Infestation - In addition to the health risks associated with heat waves, flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters affected by climate change, there is also great threat from infectious diseases like malaria and dengue fever (ClimateCrisis.org).

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Did you know? In 2006, the United States and China were the World's Largest Polluters. In 2006, CO2 emissions for the US were 21.44 percent of total world emissions, while China's emissions were 19.4 percent. Some reports state that due to rapid growth, China has recently surpassed the US in CO2 emissions. |
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