Flexi Says: Most scientists today agree that fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and agriculture contribute to greenhouse gases and the greenhouse effect. Global warming can cause physical changes for the Earth: melting of glaciers and permafrost, changes in precipitation patterns, temperature extremes, warming and acidification of the oceans, and ozone depletion. Melting of oceans and permafrost can release methane, resulting in a “runaway greenhouse effect.” Ecological effects may include loss of biodiversity and addition of still more CO2 to the atmosphere. Socioeconomic threats include crop losses, increased disease, water scarcity, and coastal flooding. Population growth and socioeconomic factors (especially interference with third world development) can combine to produce political instability and conflict.
