Preventing an extra single degree of heat could make a life-or-death difference in the next few decades for multitudes of people and ecosystems on this fast-warming planet, an international panel of scientists reported Sunday. But they provide little hope the world will rise to the challenge. The Nobel Prize-winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its gloomy report at a meeting in Incheon, South Korea. In the 728-page document, the U.N. organization detailed how Earth's weather, health and ecosystems would be in better shape if the world's leaders could somehow limit future human-caused warming to just 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit (a half degree Celsius) from now, instead of the globally agreed-upon goal of 1.8 degrees F (1 degree C). Among other things: — Half as many people would suffer from lack of water. — There would be fewer deaths and illnesses from heat, smog and infectious diseases. — Seas would rise nearly 4 inches (0.1 meters) less. … [Read more...] about Unprecedented work needed to limit global warming and its devastating effects, UN warns
Global warming and water
Climate change: Courts become a new battleground in the battle against global warming
With the Government to be taken to court for its alleged failures on climate change, the law is now a frontline for campaigners, writes Caroline O’Doherty.Around kitchen tables and over cross-country phone calls, preparations are being made for a court case with no less an aim than saving the planet. Or at least pushing Ireland to do its full share of the job.High Court case 2017/793JR will have its hearing over four days next January when the campaign group, Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE), seek to hold the Government to account for alleged failures to take the necessary action against climate change which is imperilling Earth and all in it.Specifically, they are targeting the National Mitigation Plan, published by the Government last year, which they will argue is so vague and weak that it breaches the requirements of the Climate Act 2015, the Constitution and human rights law.FIE’s small band of volunteers have been to the High Court many times before, challenging … [Read more...] about Climate change: Courts become a new battleground in the battle against global warming
Global warming could be TWICE as bad as predicted with ‘unstoppable’ sea level rises and a GREEN Sahara desert
GLOBAL warming could be twice as bad as predicted with “unstoppable” sea level rises and a green Sahara Desert, according to research published last week. Scientists say the world is warming at a rate “much faster than anything encountered in Earth’s history”. The impact could see the largest desert in the world turn lush green as the rise in temperature causes the rain belt surrounding Earth to swell. According to the study - conducted by dozens of researchers from 17 countries and published by Geoscience - there could be a 20-foot rise in sea level, leading to mass flooding. Ice caps will also collapse and the edges of tropical forests will be ravaged by fires due to "significant changes in ecosystems", the experts claim. Co-author Katrin Meissner, of the University of New South Wales in Australia, warned: “ In terms of rate of change, we are in uncharted waters.” This could mean the landmark Paris Climate Agreement – which seeks … [Read more...] about Global warming could be TWICE as bad as predicted with ‘unstoppable’ sea level rises and a GREEN Sahara desert
Global warming could be far worse than predicted, new study suggests
Doyle Rice USA TODAY Published 5:32 p.m. UTC Jul 6, 2018 Collapsing polar ice caps, a green Sahara Desert, a 20-foot sea-level rise. That's the potential future of Earth, a new study suggests, noting that global warming could be twice as warm as current climate models predict. The rate of warming is also remarkable: “The changes we see today are much faster than anything encountered in Earth’s history. In terms of rate of change, we are in unchartered waters,” said study co-author Katrin Meissner of the University of New South Wales in Australia. This could mean the landmark Paris Climate Agreement – which seeks to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels – may not be enough to ward off catastrophe. “Even with just 2 degrees of warming – and potentially just 1.5 degrees – significant impacts on the Earth system are profound,” said study … [Read more...] about Global warming could be far worse than predicted, new study suggests
Praying for rain could become the norm amid global warming
Praying for rain could become the norm amid global warming Independent.ie On July 2, 1887, the following circular was issued by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath: "Rev and Dear Brother, The long drought threatens to become a national calamity. Agreeably to the apostolic precept, that 'in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, our requests should be declared to God', our Church sanctions public prayers for such changes of weather as may be most conducive to human comfort and prosperity. I therefore authorise you, under the present circumstances, to use the prayer for rain." https://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/praying-for-rain-could-become-the-norm-amid-global-warming-37067688.html https://www.independent.ie/incoming/article37067441.ece/23132/AUTOCROP/h342/pv%20300618%20bantry%202.jpg Email On July 2, 1887, the following circular was issued by the Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath: "Rev and Dear Brother, The long drought threatens to become a … [Read more...] about Praying for rain could become the norm amid global warming