Besides the fact that flooding destroys agricultural lands leading to a disruption of food supplies to millions of people, one also has to consider the social impact on areas where there are large population groups. This can lead to forced migration and often to refugee situations, with all the related negative social implications. . Another important aspect is the increase in serious diseases as a result of global warming. Scientists warn that an increase in temperature also means that infectious diseases could become more widespread. Infectious diseases carried by insects and rodents may also appear in new areas and regions where the population may be unprepared to deal with them. This has already been seen in cases of serious insect -- borne disease, such as Dengue fever, Malaria, West Nile virus, and Yellow Fever.

One also has or bear in mind that in order to understand the devastating effects of global warming one must think holistically and take into account the fact that all ecological factors are interrelated. In other words, a rising sea level has, for example, a negative effect on marine ecosystems; which adds to the problem of sea pollution. This in turn affects the supply of fish on which many communities and societies in the world depend. This in turn causes famine, starvation and social disruption.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has predicted that by 2030 climatic changes will cause the deaths of 300, 000 people annually (Climate change responsible for 300,000 deaths a year) An example is the disastrous effect that increasing sea levels could have on Asia with its high density coastal populations. Even a marginal increase in sea level could displace millions of people in low-lying coastal areas. This would mean a dramatic decrease in agricultural productivity and a reduction of food supply. This

While some of these effects are obvious, others will take time to manifest. What is certain however is that if the present increases in global temperature persists there will be dire consequences for life on this planet.
In conclusion, the above sketch of the causes and effects of global warming leads to a number of obvious outcomes. Global warming is no longer a possibility but rather a serious reality. The causes of global warming are also not in doubt. It follows that it is incumbent on leaders and governments, especially in developed and industrial countries with a large carbon output, to reduce their carbon 'footprint'. Unless this is achieved in the very near future there is the very real possibility that life on this planet could be threatened with extinction.

However, a factor that tends to complicate the issue is economics. Many developed countries are loath to reduce their industrial carbon output for fear of losing their economic power in the global market. This is a serious problem that is being debated today. In the final analysis there is little choice and all countries need to make concerted efforts to combat the increasing effects of global warming.