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(CBS NEWS) – WASHINGTON – Scientists say climate change is worsening and "life-and-death" consequences could result for our planet in the next 20 years. The new UK report predicts that at the current rate of warming, millions more people will die from extreme heat by 2040.
There will also be a substantial loss of coral reefs and sea level rise that could wipe out small island nations like the Bahamas and Maldives. The 728-page report was written by more than 90 scientists from 40 countries of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, winner of a Nobel Prize, released its gloomy report at a meeting in Incheon, South Korea.
In a 728-page document (read here), the UN organization explained how the weather, health and ecosystems of the Earth would be healthier if world leaders could limit in one way or from another man-made warming at only 0.9 degrees Celsius from now, instead of the overall agreed goal of 1.8 degrees F (1 degree C). Among others:
* Half as many people would suffer from a lack of water.
* There would be fewer deaths and illnesses from heat, smog and infectious diseases.
* The seas would rise nearly 4 inches (0.1 meter) less.
* Half of the animals in the spine and plants would lose most of their habitats.
* There would be a lot less heat waves, showers and droughts.
* The West Antarctic ice cap may not enter irreversible melting.
* And that may be enough to save most of the coral reefs of the world from death.
Are there practical ways to limit global warming? According to Somini Sengupta, an international reporter for the New York Times, the answer is yes:
* Drive less, try to carpool or use public transit instead
* Buy less clothing because the clothing and footwear industries contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, or buy vintage clothing and clothing made from recycled fabric.
* Replace air conditioners and refrigerators with appliances that save energy and reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
* Have less demand for products that result in deforestation, including meat, lumber, soybeans and palm oil
The report highlights how the world needs "rapid and deep" changes in energy systems, land use, urban and industrial design, transportation and building use. It also suggests moving away from fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
Learn more about the report here.
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