Odd, New Climate Change Turning Point: 2047

That's when the coldest year will be the hottest on record: study
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Oct 9, 2013 6:10 PM CDT
New Climate Change Turning Point: 2047
   (Shutterstock)

Feeling the effects of climate change, but not worrying too much yet? Mark this year: 2047. That's when, for most of the world, the coldest year in the future will be hotter than any in recorded history, according to a new study published in Nature. It's sort of an odd concept, but scientists from the University of Hawaii at Manoa wanted to help people relate to climate change data on a day-to-day level, the New York Times reports.

"Go back in your life to think about the hottest, most traumatic event you have experienced," said lead author Camilo Mora. "What we’re saying is that very soon, that event is going to become the norm." The study also found that if we curb greenhouse gas emissions, that will delay the turning point by 20 to 25 years, giving us all vital time to adapt. Bad news for the tropics, though: The "hot point" year is coming much sooner, like 2031 for Mexico City and 2029 for Jakarta. "I am certain there will be massive biological and social consequences," Mora said. (More discoveries stories.)

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