Risks of No Action on Climate Change
Thu, 8 December 2011
The results of a new scientific assessment on the physical impacts of climate change for more than 20 countries show that if greenhouse gas emissions are left unchecked global temperatures will rise between 3-5°C this century. This could be accompanied by significant changes in rainfall patterns, leading in many cases to increased pressure on crop production, water stress and flood risks.
It is generally accepted that to give ourselves the best chance of avoiding the worst impacts of climate change the rise in global temperature needs to be kept at below 2°C. The study shows that some of the most significant impacts of climate change could be reduced significantly if we do take action.
www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate-change/policy-relevant/obs-projections-impacts.