7. The Earth's temperature reflects the degree to which infrared radiation, as heat, is trapped by carbon dioxide and water vapor in the lower atmosphere. This natural phenomenon is referred to as the greenhouse effect. However, as carbon dioxide levels increase (e.g. through burning of fossil fuels), the greenhouse effect is enhanced causing global warming. In the absence of any mitigating factors, average global temperatures are predicted to increase by 2 to 9.7F (1.1 to 5.4C) by the year 2100. a. What effects could global warming have on: Polar ice caps? Coastal cities? Weather patterns? Distribution patterns of plants and animals