Climate Change Facts
How can we be sure that global warming is happening and that we are responsible?
- The IPCC 4th Assessment Report (2007) – drawn from research of over 2000 scientists and endorsed by 130 governments - reports that temperature rises are UNEQUIVOCAL. The IPCC can now say with 90% certainty that human activities are responsible for higher concentrations of CO2 (the highest in 650,000 years) and other Greenhouse gases (ghg) in the atmosphere, and hence the corresponding overall warming of the climate.
How much have temperatures increased since the pre-industrial era?
- The climate is 0.76°C warmer than in pre-industrial times (pre-1850). Some scientists report a 0.5°C rise in temperatures in the last 30 years.
- 11 of the 12 warmest years recorded since 1850 have occurred in the last 12 years.
What minimum rise in global temperatures can the planet and humans realistically sustain?
- A 2º C rise in global mean temperatures over 1990 levels has for some time been recognized as a dangerous ‘tipping’ point that would unleash almost certain ‘runaway’ climate change on a global and horrifically destructive scale.
Which regions will be most affected by climate change?
- Africa is likely to face the worst impacts, through a combination of affects on the climate, and the vulnerability of people living in Sub-Saharan Africa – reliance on agriculture, dependence on weather, lower capacity to respond.
- Northern and central Asia are likely to heat up 40% more than other parts of Asia. The link between high temperatures and increasing mortality rates is already known. An intense heat wave in India in May 2002 led to the loss of 1000 lives.
