What Are the Negative Economic & Social Effects of Global Warming on the US?

Global warming, the increase in global temperatures, brings with it a list of potential consequences. The dangers posed to the U.S. from global warming are not only environmental in nature; there are social and economic consequences, as well. Potential effects range from massive population shifts to world conflicts over resources.

Geography

Global warming could drastically shift the value of land in the U.S. Warmer temperatures could make areas of the South, such as Arizona, less desirable while warming frigid areas of the north. Rising sea levels resulting from the melting of polar ice could cause coastal flooding, leading to depopulation of these areas.

Effects

In some areas of the U.S., higher temperatures could reduce crop production and burden the nation's electrical power grid.

Significance

Global warming will likely be most drastic in equatorial areas, home of many of the world's developing nations. Experts suggest that climate change there could lead to economic and social deterioration, resulting in millions of people migrating north to the U.S. and other areas.

Potential

As global warming reshapes the map of the world, making some areas less habitable and others more habitable, nations could envy each other's territory. This raises the possibility of wars over land and natural resources.

Expert Insight

The British treasury has estimated that global warming could eventually cause a 20 percent decline in gross domestic product for the world economy. This will negatively impact the entire world economy, including the U.S., because of active trade among nations.

Resources

• More about the impact of climate change