The Report likens Global Warming to Nuclear War

A report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) published Wednesday 12th September, predicts a grim future for all of us if we do not deal with climate change in a timely and effective manner. The report suggests the consequences of not taking the necessary action to reduce global warming will be on the same level as a nuclear war. The IISS security think-tank said the rising global temperatures would adversely affect crop yields and water availability through-out the world. This is something that is already pretty much accepted by most politicians, although how many of them are prepared to do anything about it remains to be seen.

“The most recent international moves towards combating global warming represent a recognition... that if the emission of greenhouse gases ... is allowed to continue unchecked, the effects will be catastrophic -- on the level of nuclear war… Even if the international community succeeds in adopting comprehensive and effective measures to mitigate climate change, there will still be unavoidable impacts from global warming on the environment, economies and human security…” – Reuters

Global temperatures are expected to rise by between 1.8 and 4.0 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. The effects of this level of temperature increase can be seen on a small-scale already, with changes to weather patterns around the world. We only have to watch the evening news to see it for ourselves, with floods, wildfires, droughts and rising sea-levels being reported virtually every week. What is really worrying though, is that this is happening now, before global warming really takes hold. With forecast global temperatures set to rise dramatically, we can expect to see much more extreme weather over the next few decades. As the climate changes, the disastrous consequences will be felt by increasing numbers of people. The impact of this level of climate change is apparent in the conflicts in Kenya and Sudan, with more conflict expected in other areas, such as Asia and Latin America. According to the report, 65 countries are likely to lose over 15% of their agricultural production output by 2100, which will be compounded by the expected rise in world population from 6 billion to 10 billion. With the extreme weather, food and water shortages and forced mass migration exacerbating existing simmering tensions, the potential for conflict and war is huge.

If political leaders are too afraid to make the changes necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions now, then they need to think hard about preparing for the far-reaching political, economic, environmental and social consequences.