Scientists Predict Devastating Consequences of Climate Change by 2100
As the world continues to warm, scientists are warning of devastating consequences by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced. According to a report, entire cities could be plunged underwater, millions of people could die, and extreme weather events could become the norm.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that global temperatures could rise by as much as 4.4°C (7.92°F) above the pre-industrial average in the worst-case scenario. This would lead to widespread droughts, heatwaves, and tropical storms.
In the most optimistic scenario, the world achieves net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, preventing any more significant increases in global temperatures. However, in the worst-case scenario, CO2 emissions continue to rise, leading to catastrophic consequences.
By 2100, scientists predict that:
* Sea levels could rise by 6.2ft (1.9 metres)
* Wildfires could become 50 per cent more frequent
* Air pollution could lead to 260,000 deaths worldwide
* Extreme heatwaves could kill millions of people
* The Arctic could be “unrecognizable” with sea ice totally vanishing in the summer
The consequences of climate change will be felt globally, with the worst affected areas being those with already fragile ecosystems. Cities like Delhi, India, which already struggle with deadly air pollution, could face even worse conditions.
The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, aims to limit global warming to below 2°C (3.6°F) and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C (2.7°F). However, with the current rate of emissions, it seems unlikely that this goal will be met.
The consequences of climate change are already being felt, with 2024 being the hottest year on record. The world must take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.
