Stark Warming Assessment Issued at Climate Summit in Copenhagen

Meeting in Copenhagen, more than 2,500 scientists and policy makers issued a statement warning that the impacts of global warming are now exceeding most scientific projections and that unless runaway greenhouse gas emissions are curbed the world faces “abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts” and “dangerous climate change.” Gathering in advance of a key December meeting in Copenhagen aimed at securing a global treaty to reduce CO2 emissions, climate scientists said in a statement that loss of sea ice, melting and destabilization of massive ice sheets, rises in global mean temperatures, and acidification of oceans all confirm that “the worst-case IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) scenario trajectories are being realized.” The scientists went on to warn that “the climate system is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our society and economy have developed and thrived.” The statement, which will be presented to climate conference delegates in December, said the world must set tough targets for emissions cuts from 2020 to 2050 or risk crossing irreversible climate “tipping points.” Saying there “is no excuse for inaction,” the statement urged governments to overcome the “inertia” of a carbon-based economy and eliminate subsidies and other barriers that have slowed the development of renewable energy sources.