Global warming is already affecting the world. The predicted effects of global warming on the environment and for human life are numerous and varied. It is generally difficult to attribute specific natural phenomena to long-term causes, but some effects of recent climate change may already be occurring. Carbon dioxide and other gases warm the surface of the planet naturally by trapping solar heat in the atmosphere. For example the number of hurricanes has increase in last 30 years and another example is there is another effect for animals like Polar bears if the ice becomes water. Warmer temperatures will alter weather patterns, making it likely that there will be more intense droughts and more intense rain events. Moreover, global warming may last thousands of years. At least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles if the warming continues.