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Globe on Course for 'Worst-Case' Temp Hike

6 degree rise predicted if Copenhagen deal fails

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 18, 2009 4:08 AM CST

(Newser) – The worst-case scenario for climate change is getting closer to becoming reality, a group of climate scientists warned yesterday. World temperatures are on course to rise an average of 6 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, according to the Global Carbon Project researchers. Experts believe a temperature rise on that scale would make much of the world unfit for human habitation.

The scenario has become so bad because of unforeseen rises in carbon emissions this decade from industry, especially in China, and deforestation, according to the scientists, who warn that the "carbon-feedback" effect has already begun. The upcoming Copenhagen conference could represent the world's last chance to stabilize emissions and keep temperatures out of the danger zone, one researcher tells the Independent.

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An Australian farmer looks over his drought-stricken property in northwestern New South Wales, Australia. (AP Photo/Peter Lorimer, File)

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Our understanding at the moment in the computer models we have used—and they are state-of-the-art—suggests that carbon-cycle climate feedback has already kicked in. - Professor Corinne Le Quéré
of the Global Carbon Project

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 26 comments

cornelison

Nov 19, 2009 12:54 PM CST

Hi Derni. Excellent point! Some of us won't be around when/if things get really bad. The world is overpopulated and that alone should alarm the occupants of this planet. We also have a global economy that depends on producing more goods for more people. This accelerates environmental waste & toxic emissions around the planet.

cornelison

Nov 19, 2009 12:41 PM CST

Or they become politicians in Congress.

cornelison

Nov 19, 2009 12:33 PM CST

The science supports the reason for the melting of glaciers at an unprecedented rate. Eg. glaciers are a source of fresh water to millions of Europeans. Should they ignore global warming until their water supply evaporates?

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Globe on Course for 'Worst-Case' Temp Hike