Time's Running Out for Planet Earth

The IPCC delivered its second report on Thursday in Brussels entitled “Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability,” offering a somber projection for the future of Earth if action to abate global warming is delayed.

One author of the report, Kevin Hennessy, a researcher from CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research says the study, “clearly shows that human activities are already affecting some natural systems. That’s a very new finding.”

In blunt terms the report states, “Unmitigated climate change would, in the long term, be likely to exceed the capacity of natural, managed and human systems to adapt.”

A global temperatures rise of 1.5 – 2.5 degrees will have a devastating impact on the environment and human existence. Between 20 to 30 percent of plant and animal species addressed in the study are at risk of extinction. Mankind can expect an increase in severity and frequency of heatwaves, droughts, storms and other severe weather patterns, resulting in widespread malnutrition, water shortages, and diseases, as well as a lost of land mass.

Dr. Bryson, CSIRO Climate Program Director, says “climate change is real and the time to act is short. Adaptation to climate change is as important as the mitigation of greenhouse gases.”

Another researcher, Professor Terry Hughes adds, “we have a narrow window of opportunity – no more than 20 years to achieve decisive cuts in greenhouse gases – to protect coral reefs from massive degradation.”

Other warnings from the report include:
- water shortages in Africa, with an increased risk of hunger
- glaciers melting in the Himalayas will increase flooding, rock avalanches and disrupt water resources
- flooding in the Asian river deltas will lead to a rise in temperature and changing rainfall patterns, resulting in an increase of hunger in developing countries
- small island states will experience a rise in sea level, threatening communities and water supplies
- developed nations (such as US and Australia) face drought, fires and rising sea-levels that will impact coastal properties

The report recommends several strategies to deal with climate change, cut greenhouse gases and cope with changing technology, infrastructure and land use.

See the Source:
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The Sydney Morning Herald