Arctic May be Ice-Free in Summer of 2070

international | environment | other press Tuesday November 02, 2004 13:07 by Michael Hennigan - Finfacts.com

The eight Arctic countries emit more than 30 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

A new comprehensive report on the devastating impact of climate change urges Arctic governments to immediately cut their emissions of carbon dioxide.

The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA), produced by more than 250 scientists and six circumpolar indigenous peoples’ organisations, provides incontrovertible proof that climate change is happening in the Arctic and that it will get worse unless emissions of carbon dioxide are cut.

According to the report, sea levels could rise by nearly one meter by the end of the century. A warmer Arctic will contribute up to 15 per cent of this rise. Today, there are 17 million people living less than one meter above sea level in Bangladesh, while places like Florida and Louisiana in the US, Bangkok, Calcutta, Dhaka and Manila are also are risk from sea level rise.

The World Wildlife Fund-WWF welcomes the report, but highlights the hypocrisy of those governments which sponsored it because they have failed to cut emissions of carbon dioxide. The eight Arctic countries emit more than 30 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.

If Kerry wins today, do not expect him to sign up to the Kyoto Protocal.