The increase in greenhouse gas emissions could lead to more severe consequences than humans currently believe, a recent scientific report warns.
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The Greenland ice sheet is melting more rapidly, leading to rising sea levels (Photo: .tomaatne) |
The report, published by the UK government, indicates that there are very few opportunities to keep greenhouse gas emissions below a “dangerous” level.
The report also raises concerns that the Greenland ice sheet is melting more than before, potentially causing sea levels to rise by 7 meters over the next 1,000 years. The poorest countries will be the most affected by these impacts.
This report serves as a follow-up to a report presented at a scientific conference organized by the UK Meteorological Office in February 2005. The conference discussed two main issues: the causes of excessive greenhouse gas emissions and options to reduce these emissions.
In the introduction of the report, UK Prime Minister Tony Blair stated: “It is clear that greenhouse gas emissions are causing global warming at an unmanageable level.” Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett remarked that the conclusions of the report would be a shock to many.
The report also discusses the harms caused by rising air temperatures. Although the European Union (EU) has aimed to limit global temperature rise to no more than 2°C, the report suggests that even a 2°C increase is enough to cause melting in the Greenland ice sheet. This will have a significant impact on global sea levels.
Essentially, the impact will be “the extinction of a large number of species” and “a major cause of increased hunger and water scarcity, particularly in developing countries.”
The report also recommends that scientists reassess the levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere that are sufficient to pose a “danger” for temperature increases.
T.VY (According to BBC)
