So here’s the general opinion. Once the human race (that is you and I) stops polluting the earth and saves energy, the effects of global warming will stop and slowly begin to reverse, hopefully so soon that close, future generations will have the right (since it is a right not a privilege to enjoy the world) to bask in the glory of all earth has to offer, in normal climate and normal circumstances.

Well, according to several American scientists, this future, the one I’ve laid out and hope comes into fruition, probably won’t. Not for a long time. Even if we start saving the planet now.

Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say that because of the way carbon dioxide lingers in the atmosphere, sea level rise and severe droughts may be a problem for up to 1,000 years.

This is how, according to IHT, the researchers described the problem. Right now, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide is about 385 ppm. It will almost inevitably reach 450 ppm soon, and it is highly likely that it will reach 600 ppm before mid century, that is, around 2050. That is if our consumption of fossil fuel is anything close to what it is today. Greed may allow that.

When the concentration reaches 450 ppm, researchers say that coastal areas will be threatened by rising sea levels and that the Southwestern U.S., Southern Europe, North Africa and Western Australia could experience up to 10 per cent less rainfall, which could result in major droughts.

At 600 ppm, those same areas could experience 15 per cent less rain.

In 1850, scientists say that the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was around 280 ppm, a level that had not been exceeded in at least the previous 800,000 years.

Scientists also say that the report isn’t meant to suggest that it’s too late to do anything. Way to be optimistic?

About The Author

Sachin Seth is the Blast Magazine world news reporter. He writes the Terra blog. You can visit his website at http://sachinseth.com or follow him on twitter @sachinseth

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