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:: Saturday, January 29, 2005 ::
For Those Who Haven't Taken IB 150
We're fucked.
Greenhouse gas emissions could cause global temperatures to rise by up to 11 degrees Celsius (20 degrees Fahrenheit), according to first results from the world's largest climate modeling experiment.
The top end of the predictions, which range from 2-11 degrees, is double estimates produced so far and could make the world dramatically different in the future.
"Our experiment shows that increased levels of greenhouse gases could have a much greater impact on climate than previously thought," said David Stainforth, the project's chief scientist, from Oxford University.
Without significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, scientists estimate the Earth's temperature and sea level will rise, leading to increased flooding and drastic climate changes.
The temperature range predicted is based on assumptions of carbon dioxide levels double those found before the Industrial Revolution. Scientists estimate these levels will be reached by the middle of this century if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced.
"This is really just the beginning of the process to try and understand the uncertainty and predictions of climate change," Stainforth added.
:: The Squire 5:28 PM :: email this post :: ::
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