Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Climate Change Controversy

The media has been buzzing about the IPCC's Himalayan glacier controversy.

The international climate panel headed by Dr. Rajendra Pachauri won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 but small errors have now surfaced in the 3,000-page report.

However, here are some facts that have not changed:

1. Do the U.N. climate panel's errors mean there is no threat from climate change?

The panel's errors were only related to the intensity of climate change.

For over two decades, scientists have consistently found that climate change is happening, and it's caused by human activity.

2.  Are the Himalayan glaciers melting or not?

The Himalayan glaciers are retreating, but the exact rate of retreat is still uncertain. India's Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh was one of the first to argue that the 2035 forecast was "not based on an iota of scientific evidence," but he confirms the Himalayan glaciers "are indeed receding and the rate is cause for great concern."

3. Who will be impacted by climate change?

Everyone. Lesser developed countries and small island states will be hit hardest and fastest. But rich nations are not immune to the violent weather, drought, disease, famine, mass migrations, and wars that will be caused if we don't stop climate change.

Thus:
The science is clear. Climate change is real, is happening now and is caused by people.

Source: TOI, Greenpeace

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