Scientists warn of climate change impacts

Climate change is putting the world at risk of sudden changes that will be irreversible and affect a high number of people, according to new research. The American Association for the Advancement of Science warned on Tuesday (March 18th) that a warming climate is putting the world at risk of unpredictable changes that could potentially be irreversible. 

Intervening in a policy debate, the association called for those living in the US to take steps to drastically reduce climate-altering emissions. By reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are pumped into the atmosphere, scientists believe that the risks of a climate catastrophe could be lowered for the future.

In a new report, entitled 'What we know', scientists warn that some effects of climate change due to the emission of greenhouse gases are already being felt. While currently the effects may not be catastrophic, they could lead on to much larger issues. The report suggests that the window in which something can be done to mitigate further effects is now closing.

Already the amount of gases that are trapped in the atmosphere are increasing, global temperatures are rising and ice sheets are melting, says the report, all of which have the ability to lead on to severe consequences.

While the report does not give details of any new technology that could help to reduce the impact of climate change, it does detail what is known within the scientific community in a way that is more accessible. This allows people with little to no scientific background to understand what could happen if things continue. Ultimately, this could help people to make more informed decisions that could lead to a reduction in emissions.

According to the association, the report is designed to get people thinking of global warming as a risk management issue. Scientists will soon start tours in which they will give talks and start debate on the issue of climate change in order to raise awareness and understanding of the highly important issue.