The concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are higher now than at any time during the last 420,000 years. If nothing has been done to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 2080 then:
1. The sea will rise 50cm. Twice as many people will be exposed to severe flooding - the majority of these people will live in South and South East Asia.
2. Water shortages will leave 3 billion people in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent desperate for water.
3. Rainfall patterns could be disrupted. This will lead to droughts and floods, which in turn will cause food shortages.
4. Extreme weather conditions will occur more often and more intensely. Countries will be economically devastated and many lives will be lost.
5. Resistance to disease will be weakened because of water shortages, heat and malnutrition. Infectious diseases will be able to spread rapidly.
clipped from www.oxfam.org.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment