This latest report continues the warnings by some in the scientific community that the world is heading for dire consequences from climatic change:
“As early as 2020, 75 million to 250 million people in Africa will suffer water shortages, residents of Asia’s megacities will be at great risk of river and coastal flooding, Europeans can expect extensive species loss, and North Americans will experience longer and hotter heat waves and greater competition for water…”
It is interesting to note that there was a great bit of debate within the panel about the wording of the report, just like there has been within the past. The IPCC issues these reports as if they are fact when in reality the conclusions they reach are done so by consensus. That is significant as just because a majority believe something doesn’t necessarily make it true. There are many experts who doubt man’s impact on the global environment although you would never know it as their voices tend to be drowned out. This debate will continue to rage and critical thinking by everyone should be exercised before making any judgments.