Risks to eco-systems, 2015 world climate, need international cooperation now

Arctic areas that are rapidly changing

Editor — The Arctic Report Card 2012 given by the World Meteorological Organization reveals weather changes during 2012 that highlighted events that have been record-setting and predictive of worse climate change situations in the future.  But the future is here now, scientists say, so the need for international cooperation regarding climate change issues is now.

“Multiple observations provide strong evidence of widespread, sustained changes driving the Arctic environmental system into a new state,” writes the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and international partners (AMAP, CAFF, ARCUS).

The organization went on to describe what some of these observations have revealed that include: changes in the sea ice cover, snow cover, glaciers and Greenland ice sheet, which scientists tell us reduces the overall surface reflectivity, as darker surfaces are replacing bright, white surfaces that reflect summer sunlight. The consequence of these conditions, which increases the capacity to store heat, is more melting of the ice, as observed in the Arctic regions.

“Thus, we arrive at the conclusion that it is very likely that major changes will continue to occur in the Arctic in years to come, particularly in the face of projections that indicate continued global warming,” it said.

The major issue facing the world as a result are changes in the marine environment which can impact the world's food web.

Highlights of the Report Card include presented for 2012 include the following:

• Record low snow extent and low sea ice extent in June and September respectively;

• Increasing growing season length, tundra greenness, and above-ground biomass. Below the tundra, record-high permafrost temperatures in northernmost Alaska;

• Longest observed duration of melting on the Greenland ice sheet, with a rare, nearly ice sheet-wide melt event in July.

Scientific American within recent years reviewed the consequences of weather change specific to the United States, pointing out how the extreme weather events, like Hurricane Sandy, have left scientists discussing how frequently these conditions can occur and how the country may be facing similar problems in the future. It is difficult, scientists tell us, to attribute a single event to global warming; however, the patterns of ice melting and the totality of problems throughout the world raise serious concerns. Most scientists agree what we are seeing can be attributed both to natural fluctuations in environmental conditions and man-made ones. The politicians often cite one or the other as being primary to the problem of extreme weather events, but the tendency for climate change to be increasing has many people worried.

In the 2007 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report Summary for Policymakers (PDF File), scientists looked at current model simulations, and found, according to Jeffrey Masters, Ph. D, Director of Weather Underground, " it is very likely (90-99% confidence) that the meridional overturning circulation (MOC) of the Atlantic Ocean will slow down during the 21st century."  This refers to the deep-water areas around Greenland, the conveyer belt for much of the earth's ocean waters.

It would be disastrous were this "conveyer belt" to be shut down, scientists tell us, although models don't predict this happening soon. But Masters concludes with this telling reminder:  The historical records shows us that abrupt climate change is not only possible--it is the normal state of affairs. The present warm, stable climate is a rare anomaly. It behooves us to learn as much as we can about the climate system so that we may be able to predict when the next abrupt shift in climate will come. Until we know better when this might happen, it would be wise to stop pouring so much carbon dioxide into the air. A nasty surprise might be lurking just around the corner. In the words of Dr. Wally Broecker, "the climate system is an angry beast, and we are poking it."

While the world reels from the concerns about terrorism, in all its forms and from many directions, the issue of climate change, scientists remind us, impacts us all.  It is a global and not a regional concern.

The fact is scientists point to 2015 as potentially a very dangerous time when it comes to extreme weather problems.

In January 2015 the Northeastern and Central portion of the United States has seen ice storms as other areas have been impacted by massive flooding.

A site that calls itself Perfect Science offers some observations about 2015 with respect to serious weather conditions that can put huge sections of the world's population at risk.

Scientists are asking whether or not world leaders will take responsibility and take the necessary steps to further erode conditions that at least offer some protection and to recognize that climate change has man-made aspects.

In December there will be a summit in Paris for leaders to discuss specific steps that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions and other conditions that contribute to the changes in climate.  It might also be a time for leaders to examine what is really important are those concerns that cross international boundaries and affect us all.

UN Secretary General underlines urgency of nations acting re climatechange

[caption id="attachment_5320" align="alignleft" width="480"] Arctic Ocean where ice caps are melting, as evidence of climate change[/caption]

UN/ GHN Ed---It is no longer if but when major catastrophes will happen in various parts of the world, as key leaders around the world gathered this year to discuss some of the world's problems.  Ban Ki-Moon began with a key speech outlining the urgency of nations individually taking responsibility for problems that are accelerating climate change and subsequently the problems that develop from it.

The information from world forums is particularly important given the fact scientists tell us the earth is continuing to warm, with this last year having the highest temperatures recorded in modern history. And the number of weather disasters continue to plague much of the planet, in response to the lack of cooperation among nations for that part of climate change brought about by human behavior.

It was the occasion of the World Energy Summit presently held in Abu Dhabi.  These are some of the highlights from his remarks:

The decisions we make today on energy will have far-reaching consequences.

The prevailing fossil fuel-economy is contributing to climate change - and global energy needs are growing rapidly.

In 20 years, energy consumption will rise by 40 per cent, mostly in developing countries, where 1.6 billion people still lack access to electricity, and where 3 billion people rely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking, heating, and other basic household needs.

Our challenge is transformation. We need a global clean energy revolution – a revolution that makes energy available and affordable for all.

This is essential for minimizing climate risks, for reducing poverty and improving global health, for empowering women and meeting the Millennium Development Goals, for global economic growth, peace and security, and the health of the planet.

At the same time, the World Economic Council is examining energy options through forums involving major stakeholders in a number of energy industries.  The decisions from these stakeholders, and the politics of the various countries where they reside, are key factors in whether or not the plans set by the United Nations Secretary and the members of the world summit on climate change end up focusing on green initiatives, as suggested by Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon or maintaining the status quo, which scientists maintain is a framework for continuing a problem that will only grow larger in the future.

'Historic' Washington rally scheduled on climate change

Carol Forsloff ---More than a dozen years have passed since scientists underlined the importance of taking action on climate change and mentioned that within a few years of that time, it might be too late. Even so, activists are putting together a major rally referencing the need for the world's leaders to finally pay attention to what many intimate is the gathering storm of climate change.

In an email message this morning, a writer wrote of the freezing weather in Russia at  fifty degrees below zero, a level of temperature which has created significant problems for the people. An example used is the traffic lights in the city of Yakutsk aren't working anymore. At the same time, the world scientists report that worldwide the temperatures were the hottest on record. Weather patterns are extreme, as demonstrated by Russia's frigid temperatures, the heat in many parts of the United States in the summer of 2012, and the terrible storms, such as Hurricane Sandy, that left thousands homeless and caused devastation along the country's eastern seaboard.

A climate rally is anticipated to bring thousands of individuals to Washington on February 17 to generate pressure on the nation's leaders to support those activities designed to mitigate climate problems. One of those issues has to do with the tar sands project, with the pipeline from Canada that some tout as the solution for the energy crisis. The Sierra Club hopes to send a message to President Obama that the time to act is now, asking him to veto the tar sands project and another proposed ventures the organization maintains could create even more serious problems for the world's environment.

Researchers point out that scientists in the path used to believe that climate change took place slowly, which was the belief through much of the 20th century. However, circumstances in the past 20 years have created alarm in the scientific community, along with dire warnings. It was only 1995 when a strong consensus statement came from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, representing views of nearly all the world's climate scientists. And what these scientists reported was that climate change could take place even more rapidly than previously thought and that "surprises" were possible.

It is those "surprises" that worry activists and scientists, as the rally organizers point out it is important for ordinary citizens to ask world leaders to take action by making decisions that will reduce the negative impact on global climate.