Click to play videoNew Delhi: Global warming seems to be on a progressive route. Latest research suggests that climate change can hit the planet twice as worse as previously predicted.
The earth could be moving to hotter and disastrous times much faster than expected.
Top climate scientists have warned that sea levels could rise by almost twice as much as projected.
In 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change had predicted a sea level rise of 7 to 23 inches by the end of the century but the latest data reveals that it could well exceed to up to one metre!
Worse yet, the temperatures could rise dangerously, ranging between 1.8 to 4 per cent.
“Even for a range of zero to one degree Celsius (annual rise in temperature), we have problems with water availability. We also have problems with ecosystems. Food security would also be at growing risk," said climate change leader Pachauri.
Scientists warn that even a small temperature rise can lead to serious consequences. Unless greenhouse gases are cut quickly and substantially, it could result in devastating floods, affecting one in ten people across the globe.
Dr Conrad Steffen of Colorado University said, “Major cities from New York to the port cities of Bangladesh would be at risk,” as he added that it would affect up to ‘600 million people that are living close to the coastline.’
In India, Sundarbans has been the worst hit. With over 5000 people already having lost their land to sea, it now houses the world's largest climate refugee colony.
On the west coast, Gujarat has already lost 1 km of its beach. The entire coast line of India faces threat with over 7 million people at risk of being displaced.
Many activists fear that with global meltdown, the top threat- climate change may take a backseat.
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