It is still too early to predict the size and timing of climate change in specific regions. Current climate models are only able to predict patterns of change for the continental scale. Predicting how climate change will affect the weather in a particular region is much more difficult. Thus the practical consequences of "global warming" for individual countries or regions remain very uncertain.

As greenhouse gas emissions continue, the adverse effects of climate change will likely worsen. These effects can be immense and may include rising water levels and flooding, increased frequency of typhoons and hurricanes, and increased droughts. Global warming will have impacts on:

• Sea-level (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact11.html)
  
  
• Water resources (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact13.html)
  
  
• Agriculture and food (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact10.html)
  
  
• Health (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact14.html)
  
  
• Physical infrastructure (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact15.html)
  
  
• Biological diversity (http://unfccc.int/text/resource/iuckit/fact12.html)
  
  

Due to geographic location and a lack of effective institutional capabilities, less developed countries are most vulnerable to these adverse impacts. People and ecosystems will need to adapt to the changing climate. Adapting to these effects will require a good understanding of socio-economic and natural systems, their sensitivity to climate change, and their inherent ability to adapt. Many strategies are available for adapting to the expected effects of climate change.