Still time to save the world, scientists say

March 1, 2007
SMH

WRENCHING worldwide climate changes can no longer be avoided, but there is still time to stave off the worst consequences of global warming, an international research team says.

The scientists from 11 countries urged sweeping conservation measures to hold the expected increase in temperatures to no more than an average of 2 degrees globally - less than half the expected increase if emissions of greenhouse gas and soot continue unabated.

The scientists called for dramatic actions ranging from carbon taxes and a ban on conventional coal-fired power plants to an end to all beachfront construction worldwide. The researchers were funded by the non-profit UN Foundation and the research society Sigma Xi.

To meet the scientists' goal, global carbon dioxide emissions must level off by 2015 and then drop by two-thirds by 2100.

They urged stricter fuel efficiency standards, as well as fuel taxes, registration fees and rebates that favour more efficient transport, which today is responsible for 40 per cent of the world's carbon emissions.

The researchers also recommended expanded use of biofuels to reduce dependence on the oil that accounts for one-quarter of the world's carbon emissions. They endorsed broader use of nuclear power, if it can be made safer.

In addition, the scientists called for improved designs of appliances and office equipment and "greener" buildings. Taken together, heating, cooling and lighting buildings accounts for almost 30 per cent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions.

Los Angeles Times