The world must cut annual carbon dioxide emissions by between 50%-85% by 2050, in order to deal with global warming - this was determined at the UN conference held this week in Bangkok
The representatives of 120 countries that participated in the conference held last week in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, determined that in order to minimize the damage of the phenomenon, the world must act first and foremost to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions by gradually introducing the use of bio-fuel produced from organic materials, beyond the use of renewable energy sources and more efficient energy utilization.
Upon leaving the convention, several representatives declared that "science has defeated politics", referring to the Chinese demand to allow the use of greenhouse gases to reach a peak, before taking steps on the matter. In China, there are fears that new regulations regarding carbon dioxide emissions may endanger the great economic growth in the country.
Global warming is an unequivocal fact (Reuters) "Everything we wanted to see in the report appears in it. His message is very clear: we must act now," said Peter Lockey, a member of the South African delegation to the conference. The report states that immediate action must be taken to deal with the global temperature rise of two degrees Celsius since the beginning of the industrial age. The representatives of the green organizations said that the report proves that governments can take steps to minimize the phenomenon. "The report is a kind of road map, and now politicians must do more than pay lip service to the issue, and act to curb climate change before it's too late," said the representatives of the organizations.
About two months ago, the world's leading scientists determined for the first time that global warming is an "unequivocal" fact and that human activity is "most likely" the main cause of most of the increase in temperatures since the 50s. According to them, the rise in temperatures and the rise in sea levels are expected to continue in the coming centuries - inevitable results of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
This is the third report in a series of comprehensive reports published by the UN regarding the quality of the environment in general, and global warming in particular. In the two previous reports, a dire picture emerges regarding the state of the Earth as a result of the increasing environmental pollution, and an extremely pessimistic forecast for the fate of humanity. Among the other disasters predicted by the authors of the reports, hundreds of renowned scientists from dozens of countries, we can mention a rise in sea levels, damage to the food web and agriculture, drought and desertification, poverty and hunger - which will mainly affect the poor countries and vulnerable populations. The emission of greenhouse gases may cause a sharp increase in average temperatures on Earth, at a rate of up to six degrees Celsius by the year 2100. The reports show that even a more 'moderate' increase of two degrees will cause a severe water shortage that will affect two billion people, already in 2050, and the extinction of 20 to 30 percent of all animal species.
The two reports published so far mainly included a comprehensive examination of the causes of the increase in temperatures, and the future consequences of the climatic changes on humanity. The third report deals, as mentioned, with the proposed solutions to reduce the damage caused to the Earth, and attempts to prevent the rise in heat levels and the consequences that accompany it.
Report: There is enough money, time and technological means to address climate change
The time left for governments to deal with climate change and to prevent the dire consequences of rising temperatures is running out - that's what a special UN committee warned yesterday. According to the committee, there are only eight years left to prevent a dangerous rise in temperatures of at least two degrees Celsius worldwide. In addition, greater efficiency in the utilization of energy, renewable electricity sources and new technology for introducing carbon dioxide into the soil condenser can help reduce the proportion of greenhouse gases in the air and keep the dangers away.
The warning was given in a report by the "Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change" (IPCC) published yesterday at the end of an international conference in Bangkok. It said that most of the technology needed to stop climate change already exists, but that governments must act quickly to enforce changes in all parts of society and the economy. Postponing the treatment of the problem will result in greater financial expenses than those necessary to prevent it. During the days of the conference, the representatives of China tried to remove from the report elements that might slow down the accelerated economic growth in the country, but in the end they agreed to the wording that the consensus demanded.
The chairman of the intergovernmental committee, Rajnegra Pachauriamer, said that the report may form the basis for negotiations on a new international treaty to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. It will replace the Kyoto Convention, which expires in 2012. The report does not say what is the best way to encourage the use of clean technologies. One of the representatives at the conference said that the sections referring to the need for a unified international policy were "watered down" by representatives of the USA, which opposes an agreement that sets binding goals, similar to the Kyoto Protocol.
Harlan Watson, the head of the American delegation, said that the report "sheds light on the importance of clean energy technologies, according to our approach". There were also disputes between the representatives at the conference on the question of electricity produced with nuclear technology. Several countries, including Spain and Austria, opposed any version that supported the increased use of nuclear power.
David Miliband, the British Minister for the Environment, said that "last year it was proven that we must act urgently to address climate change, and that it is financially feasible. The committee confirms these findings and the fact that we have the necessary technology to operate. We simply cannot afford not to act. This is why we are pushing so hard to start negotiations, to start working on a new global agreement this year."
The current report was published following two reports submitted already this year by the intergovernmental commission, which determined that uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions could - by the end of this century - raise temperatures by six degrees Celsius, cause ocean levels to rise, destroy a large number of species, wreak economic havoc in tropical areas and lead to mass migration of humans.
In the report published yesterday it was further stated that greenhouse gas emissions must reach a peak by 2015 - and then begin to decrease - in order for there to ever be any chance of limiting the increase in temperatures. Under these conditions, the increase may amount to only two degrees, but even so, billions of people may remain without water by 2050.
Michael Roberts, from the Association of British Manufacturers, said after the publication of the report that "it is up to all of us - consumers, businesses and governments - to overcome the obstacles. Today the discussion must focus on doing and action". Hans Verolm, director of the "UN Climate Change Program", said that "the committee prepared a 'road map' for maintaining the peace of the planet. Now it's the politicians' turn to act and not just pay lip service."
