The increase in global temperature could cause many side effects including sea level rise and drastic changes to the pattern of precipitation resulting in floods and drought. As the Earth's average temperature rises, effects in its landmasses and sea water level become apparent. Polar ice caps melt along with glaciers, contributing to higher and warmer sea levels. By the end of the century, it is estimated that sea levels can increase from 4 inches to a high of about 40 inches if global warming continues unabated.
Currently, there in an ongoing political debate on what action, if any, should be taken to help lower the chance of global warming. How these measures will fare and contribute to the long-term maintenance of our planet, though, remains to be seen.