|Mother Earth: A group of 200 leading climate scientists from around the world have urged governments to dramatically cut greenhouse gas emissions. (Picture courtesy of Reuters NASA)|
More than 200 leading climate scientists have urged government negotiators at the United Nations Climate Conference in Bali, Indonesia, to act immediately to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
In a statement, the group, which includes Professor Bruce Hewitson of UCT's Climate Systems Analysis Group, warned that there may as little as 10 years to start reversing the global rise in emissions.
The scientists warn that if immediate action is not taken, many millions of people will be at risk from extreme events such as heat waves, drought, floods and storms, while many ecosystems, animal and plant species will also be under threat.
"The declaration is predicated on the fact that we've turned the corner now on the question on 'if' climate change is happening," said Hewitson from Bali. "It is, and clearly shown as such.
"Thus the debate now moves to the question of what, in very real terms, the nations of the world will do."
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