What Do We Need for a Wake-Up Call?

Oblivion for civilization as we know it? Extinction of 80% of living species? Is this a hoaz? I'm afraid not. Please, join the forces demanding action about cutting carbon dioxide emissions!

James P. Louviere, "DrWaug" and "DrHanzonScience"

British Study Predicts Catastrophic Climate Change Within 50 YearsPosted by Danny Jensen on September 28, 2009 at 8:53 pm

mcaretaker's Flickr photostream/Creative Commons

A new study from the British Met Office warns that if global emissions are not drastically cut soon, the planet will facecatastrophic climate change within 50 years, five decades sooner than previous reports have projected. We’re talking about a dangerous tipping point that could be seen within our lifetime, not some far off, distant future world, which should serve as a startling wake-up call to those still reluctant to rush towards climate legislation or treaties.

And if you’ll recall from yesterday, the climate change forecast is looking to be even worse than previously thought, so if we fail to act, we can expect to see unprecedented rises in sea levels and temperatures, as well as increased drought and the collapse of vital ecosystems before our very eyes. A spokesperson from the Met Officesums up the dire situation quite well:

A four degree rise in global temperatures would have serious consequences for mankind with food security, water availability and health all being adversely affected. This report illustrates why it imperative for the world to reach an ambitious climate deal at Copenhagen which keeps the global temperature increase to below two degrees.

You can expect more reports like this to roll in as we approach the U.N. Climate Summit in December, and while we can’t expect the summit to be the magic bullet to combat climate change, if enough countries recognize the looming threat and decide to act, there is a chance we could change course for the better.