What 3°C of global warming looks like
Based on the current trend, global warming is likely to increase to 1.5°C by 2040 or earlier and to 3°C by 2100, according to the latest report by the United Nations Environment Programme. The effect of the temperature rise would be felt differently worldwide.
The 1.1°C-1.3°C of global warming is already changing lives. From the rising sea levels to desertification to prolonged heat waves and extreme weather; no place is immune to this changes.
It is estimated 400000 people globally are displaced by the extreme weather patterns experienced. Cities like Berlin and Paris are facing severe heatwaves while areas like New York face frequent storms that turn the city desolate.
With these extreme weather changes it is small scale farmers that bear the heaviest burden. It is estimated that the farmers are around 600 million and account for a third of the global food supply.
The longer and severe droughts experienced lead to destruction of crops which ultimately lead to reduced food supply and increased poverty levels.
Scientists project that if the global temperatures were to rise by 3°C then;
- 1/4 of world's population would endure drought for atleast one month a year.
- North Africa would see droughts lasting for years at a time.
- The 10% of the world population that live on the coastline that's less than 10m above sea level won't be spared. It is estimated that the rising sea levels would spell disaster for low lying cities such as Lagos.
What is more worrying is that governments are making slow progress in cutting carbon emissions that make this scenario plausible.
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