Figure 18.19: This diagram explains the role of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. ( 24 )global warming. As our Earth continues to warm, there are many potential consequences.
One possibility is that the current weather patterns will change. With rain falling in different
areas, we won’t be able to grow crops in the same regions which will impact our ability to
grow food. Another possibility is that our polar ice caps will melt. We can already see this
happening today. Glaciers all over the world are retreating as they melt away. Another
possible consequence is that some species of plants and animals could become extinct. Polar
bears have recently been added to the endangered species list as threatened because they
need sea ice in order to hunt (Figure18.20).
Figure 18.20: Polar bears depend on sea ice for hunting. ( 13 )