FX.co ★ Seven signs of global warming

Scientists and environmentalists around the world have long been paying attention to the problem of global warming. They call for careful attitude to the planet, reminding that our descendants will have to struggle with difficulties that are not always surmountable. Experts note a number of important signs pointing to climatic problems.

Reduction of the polar bears population

According to experts, since the late 90's the number of polar bears in some parts of Alaska has decreased by 40%. Interesting results were also given by the control weighing of these animals: bears lost from 1.3 kg to 2.5 kg a day at a time when they usually gain weight. The reason was the decrease in the feed base, scientists believe.

Heavy downpours in the USA increasing

In the United States over the past 30 years, the number of extreme one-day showers has increased by 80%. In 2016 and in 2018, the so-called "millennial floods" occurred in Ellicott City, Maryland. The surrounding areas were hidden beneath arrays of water.

Global sea level rise

Since 1993, the level of the World Ocean has risen sharply. In most seas, the water level has increased by about 8 cm. According to experts, this is enough to cover the entire United States with water for 3 m.

Loss of natural habitats

In the western part of the United States, there is an interesting rodent, a pika, that needs cold weather most of the year. However, due to the reduction of a suitable habitat, it has to look for new places. According to a study by scientists at the University of Colorado, a significant reduction in pica populations is associated with climatic changes: rodents leave those areas where it has become significantly warmer.

Increased hurricane activity

Over the past 30 years, large hurricanes have been recorded on the territory of the USA (with gusts of wind more than 170 km per hour) which lasted much longer than the previous ones. According to an analysis of storm data from the Associated Press, the first such storm in the Atlantic is formed almost a month earlier than 30 years ago. Besides, the movement of storms slows down which leads to significant precipitation.

Active glaciers melting

According to data provided by the NASA GRACE agency, melting glaciers is observed around the world. Over the past 16 years, 279 billion tons of glacial cover has been lost, scientists say.

Change in mountain vegetation

In the Rocky Mountains, the USA, the first signs of spring appear 11 days earlier than 30 years ago, experts at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory note. At the same time, the first flowers of delphinium appear earlier, as well as marmots come out of the hibernation. This gradually leads to a change in temperature conditions, experts emphasize.