What would change if the climate suddenly became 50 degrees warmer?

Answer 1

If the Earth's temperature rose by 50 degrees celsiusworldwide, it would bring the temperature in the Tropics to about an average of 80 degrees celsius and in the Polar regions to about an average of 15 degrees celsius. This means that almost all life currently on Earth, such as plants, animals and humans, would cease to exist in the Tropics and Sub-tropics. Humans would most probably migrate to Antarctica for an all-year summer habitat, as that would be the only place where temperature is bearable for humans. However, this is provided that humans are able to reclaim land on Antarctica to a height higher than the new sea level, which is 61 metres higher than now. Plant and animal life may start anew naturally in Antarctica, but it would most probably take millions of years. All continents other than Antarctica would most probably turn into deserts, which are all then submerged beneath the new sea levels increasing in more than 60 metres due to all of Earth's polar ice caps melting in the heat. In conclusion, if this happened overnight, all life on Earth will cease to exist and almost all land would be submerged under the oceans.

If the Earth's temperature rose by 50 degrees fahrenheitworldwide, which is about 10 degrees celsius, it would bring the temperature in the Tropics to about an average of 40 degrees celsius and in the Polar regions to about an average of -27 degrees celsius. This means that sea levels could rise to about 3 metres. It would be sweltering hot in the Tropics, and certain deserts would be inaccessible to humans. There would be widespread desertification following the dying off of plant life in areas deemed unsuitable for life due to the high temperatures. Earth's surface would now resemble those found in the Cretaceous period. Major cities along Coastlines such as New York, London and Singapore could be flooded and countries like Bangladesh and the Netherlands, which are mostly located below sea level, would be flooded severely and frequently if nothing is done to prevent it. Droughts would become more frequent and people in places like Africa would face a severe shortage of water. Winters would get shorter and mass migration out of the Tropics would take place.

Answer 2

If the climate suddenly became 50 degrees warmer, it would lead to rapid melting of polar ice caps, causing sea levels to rise significantly. This would result in widespread flooding of coastal areas and displacement of communities. There would also be disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture, leading to food shortages and potential extinction of certain species.