Scientists issue strongest warning yet on climate change
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
By GERRY SHIH
Cox News Service
WASHINGTON — The world's foremost coalition of climate scientists warned recently that sea levels will rise by several meters unless annual CO2 emissions are cut in half globally by 2100.
A day after European Union officials defined a plan to collectively cut emissions by 20 percent before 2020, the American Geophysical Union, a 45,000-strong society of earth, atmospheric, and ocean scientists worldwide, moved to banish any remaining skepticism over human-caused global warming. The group markedly changed its tone from tentative to unequivocal since the release of its last statement on climate change four years ago.
The scientists said that if the severe emissions cuts are not made within the century, a probable 2 degree Celsius warming would reduce global agricultural productivity and cause widespread loss of biodiversity. The Greenland ice sheet may also melt, and the ensuing rise in sea levels of several meters would submerge many continental areas.
The statement was written by a panel of members and passed after an organizational vote. It represents the official stance of the organization in future scientific and policy discussions.
AGU president Timothy Killeen said the union used strong, concise language to convey urgency and to try to firmly dispel the skepticism of climate change among a minority of climatologists that has lingered over the mainstream scientific consensus.
"Its significantly stronger in tone but consistent with our position," said AGU president Timothy Killeen. "We felt the science got to the point where a very short statement was needed."
The AGU said its assured stance was made possible by the progress enjoyed by climate change research in recent years as public attention, funding, and young scientific talent have poured into field. AGU researchers said that significant advances in technology, observation and modeling efforts have just now confirmed long held suspicions that the human footprint on Earth's climate change is apparent and tied to energy use.
The organization called for "collaborations across science, technology, industry, and government" and encouraged scientists to step outside research and engage the public in educational efforts.
"We're not asking scientists to go protest outside 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, but we should be talking with high school and junior high school students," said University of California, Irvine professor Michael Prather, a key contributor to the AGU statement as well as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that received the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
"Does it take scientists out of their comfort zone?" Killeen added, chuckling. "I would say yes."
