With the rapid growth of technology and the consumption of fossil fuels, the greenhouse gases had increased to an alarming level and the issue of global warming has become one of the most buzzing subjects in the world. In this report I will discuss the effects of global warming on plants and solutions on how to deal with it.
Global warming has important effects on plants. Some of them are positive and some are negative. The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere benefits the plants in the process of photosynthesis (May). Photosynthesis is a process plants use to convert carbon dioxide into glucose which is what plants feed on. During this process, carbon dioxide is absorbed by the plants leafs and oxygen is released.
However, the buildup of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases level in the atmosphere traps the heat in the earth’s atmosphere and increases its average temperature. That abnormal increase of heat negatively affects the plants. For example in the Alps many plants migrated from the bottom of the mountain to the peek seeking colder weather. In other areas the plants are flowering sooner than before because of the warmer weather. Also a new research suggests that plants can’t absorb carbon dioxide efficiently after a very hot year and that it might take up to two years to recover (Circle Publishing Ltd.).
These changes of plants are affecting animals and humans as well. When the plants migrate, the animals follow them to the top of the mountains to feed on them. That causes the people that live on those animals like hunters and shepherds. However, the plants can’t keep migrating because there is a limit. That will cause extinction to both plants and the animals that feed on them in the future (Science Daily).
In conclusion, plants are the main food chain for both humans and animals. If we don’t act to preserve and protect them, we might face serious problems in the future. I hope that governments and people realize how serious this issue is and act fast. If we don’t protect the plants, who will?
Bibliography:
"High temperatures inhibit carbon dioxide absorption.(Brief article)." Geographical 80.11 (Nov 2008): 13(1). Student Resource Center - Gold. Gale. Higher Colleges of Technology. 28 May. 2009
"Effects Of Global Warming Already Being Felt On Plants And Animals Worldwide." Science Daily: News & Articles in Science, Health, Environment & Technology. 1 Jan. 2003. 26 May 2009
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/01/030101222546.htm.
May, Kristen. "How Will Global Warming Affect Plant Growth? - Associated Content." Associated Content - associatedcontent.com. 22 Aug. 2008. 26 May 2009
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/955539/how_will_global_warming_affect_plant.html?cat=58
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