The final IPCC report [pdf] has been published, the scientists have spoken in one voice and they’re saying that climate change is “unequivocal” and will bring about “abrupt and irreversible changes”. This report is our final warning to do something about global warming before it’s too late.
To look at what we can expect to happen in the not too distant future if we don’t make drastic changes right now, Kevin Grandia of DeSmogBlog breaks it down into easy to understand chunks:
Europe
Climate change is expected to magnify regional differences in Europe’s natural resources and assets. Negative impacts will include increased risk of inland flash floods, and more frequent coastal flooding and increased erosion (due to storminess and sea-level rise).
Mountainous areas will face glacier retreat, reduced snow cover and winter tourism, and extensive species losses (in ome areas up to 60% under high emissions scenarios by 2080).
Africa
By 2020, between 75 and 250 million of people are projected to be exposed to increased water stress due to climate change.
By 2020, in some countries, yields from rain-fed agriculture could be reduced by up to 50%. Agricultural production, including access to food, in many African countries is projected to be severely compromised. This would further adversely affect food security and exacerbate malnutrition.
Australia and New Zealand
By 2030, water security problems are projected to intensify in southern and eastern Australia and, in New Zealand, in Northland and some eastern regions.
By 2020, significant loss of biodiversity is projected to occur in some ecologically rich sites including the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland Wet Tropics.
Asia
Endemic morbidity and mortality due to diarrhoeal disease primarily associated with floods and droughts are expected to rise in East, South and South-East Asia due to projected changes in the hydrological cycle.
By the 2050s, freshwater availability in Central, South, East and South-East Asia, particularly in large river basins, is projected to decrease.
North America
During the course of this century, cities that currently experience heatwaves are expected to be further challenged by n increased number, intensity and duration of heatwaves during the course of the century, with potential for adverse health impacts.
Warming in western mountains is projected to cause decreased snowpack, more winter flooding, and reduced summer flows, exacerbating competition for over-allocated water resources.
Latin America
There is a risk of significant biodiversity loss through species extinction in many areas of tropical Latin America.
Changes in precipitation patterns and the disappearance of glaciers are projected to significantly affect water availability for human consumption, agriculture and energy generation.
Small Islands
Sea-level rise is expected to exacerbate inundation, storm surge, erosion and other coastal hazards, thus threatening vital infrastructure, settlements and facilities that support the livelihood of island communities.
So now we wait, and hope, while the world leaders decide what exactly they are going to do about this pretty colossal problem of ours next month at the U.N.’s Framework on Climate Convention in Bali, Indonesia. And while all nations will be involved in these decisions, in the end it will fall to the US and China, the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, to make a commitment to a big reduction in their emissions.