Even a rise in global temperature by 0.5C may expose the planet to greater threat

MEHWISH

 

POTSDAM:  For long many scientists have been saying that minor change in global temperature is no big deal. However, a recent comprehensive analysis of climate change have indicated that even a difference of 0.5 C in  global warming can swing the Earth into hazardous climatic conditions.

According to the analysis of scientists this increase in temperature by half centigrade may lead to extended heat waves, greater droughts, the tropic will see a reduction in the yield of crops as well as the coral reef will be exposed to a greater threat.

Recent records kept by  NASA shows 2014 and 2015 broke the previous records while last February marked global temperature with 1.34C above the average from 1951-1980.

In this analysis the scientists considered 11 different indicators like drought increase by 7% with 1.5C of warming but by 11% with 2C. Water availability in the Mediterranean decreases by 9% in 1.5C but 7% with 2C. Similarly, sea level rises by 10 cm more in the warmest consequences. Tropical areas will be exposed to wheat and maize yield reduction particularly.

M M Alam

M. M. Alam is a Pakistan-based working journalist since 1981. Karachi University faculty gold medalist Alam began his career four decades ago by writing for Dawn, Pakistan’s highest circulating English daily. He has worked for region’s leading publications, global aviation periodicals including Rotors (of USA) and vetted New York Times as permanent employee of daily Express Tribune. Alam regularly covers international aviation and defense-related events including Salon Du Bourget (France), Farnborough (United Kingdom), Dubai (UAE). Alam has reported thousands of events and interviewed hundreds of people in Pakistan, UAE, EU, UK and USA. Being Francophone Alam also coordinates with a number of French publications.