The risk of climate change may be far more serious than previously thought, according to a new British report based on government-sponsored research into global warming. The report raises fears that an Antarctic ice sheet is melting, which could lead to sea levels rising by five metres.
It also warns of large-scale irreversible disruption if temperatures rise above three degrees Celsius, well within the range of climate change projections for the century. The report, released in a book, ‘Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change’, collates evidence presented by scientists at a conference hosted by the UK Meteorological Office at Exeter last February.
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The book publishes an announcement from the head of the British Antarctic Survey, Professor Chris Rapley, that the huge West Antarctic Ice Sheet may be starting to disintegrate. Scientists believe the event would raise sea levels around the world by five metres.
In the book, Professor Rapley says a previous report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) dismissing worries about the ice sheet's stability had to be revised. He said "The last IPCC report characterised Antarctica as a slumbering giant in terms of climate change. I would say it is now an awakened giant. There is real concern."
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http://www9.sbs.com.au/theworldnews/region.php?id=127086®ion=3Including additional link:
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18002634%255E30417,00.htmlGame, set, match.
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