Increasing greenhouse gas concentrations will have many effects
Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere will continue to increase unless the billions of tons of our annual emissions decrease substantially. Increased concentrations are expected to:
•Increase Earth's average temperature
•Influence the patterns and amounts of precipitation
•Reduce ice and snow cover, as well as permafrost
•Raise sea level
•Increase the acidity of the oceans
•Increase the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of extreme events
•Shift ecosystem characteristics
•Increase threats to human health