Eric 1
What are the potential effects of global warming on continental Europe?
Global warming is likely to have devastating effects on continental Europe in a number
of ways including disparities in temperature ranges and precipitation, rising levels of seas
coupled with higher temperature in the water bodies, dwindling levels of snow and ice both on
land and in the seas (Macquire 8). All this will have negative effects on the socio-economic,
ecosystem and human well being aspects of continental Europe. Human activity is largely
responsible for the effects of global warming not only in continental Europe but all over the
world. Greenhouse emissions are largely to be blamed for the high level of carbon content in the
atmosphere that in effect causes global warming.
One of the major potential effects of global warming on continental Europe that has been
felt elsewhere is the occurrence of destructive heat waves. Heat waves are a known killer of
humans especially in extreme levels. Many parts of Asia have already stared experiencing this
phenomenon and with the current trends in continental Europe, heat waves may be a common
occurrence in the near future (Marquina 43). Heat waves are caused by colossal amounts of
carbon being suspended in the atmosphere thereby causing a blanket that shields the sun’s heat
from completely bouncing off the surface of the earth. The resultant effect of this is an increase
in temperature above normal (Macguire 13).
Another potential effect of global warming on continental Europe would be lack of food.
Although major parts of continental Europe enjoys surplus food production, global warming
could negatively affect these areas therefore causing an overreliance on food imports. This would
result to a negative effect on the continent’s economy and overall human well being. A change in
weather patterns would really affect areas that rely on natural rainfall as a means of irrigation
meaning that a lot of farmers would suffer bad harvest therefore negatively affecting their
livelihood (Marquina 66).
In conclusion, it is evident that global warming would have very negative effect on
continental Europe if proper measures are not put in place.
