So it's official - it IS our fault!

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, meeting in Paris, has said that after the most comprehensive studies ever undertaken it is 'over 90% certain' that the activities of the human race are responsible for a frightening increase in global warming, much faster than was previously forecast. World temperatures may rise by an average of 4C by the end of the century and sea levels could rise by up to 43cm.

Dr Rajendra Pachauri, the IPCC chairman, said: "It is extremely encouraging in that the science has moved on from what was possible in the Third Assessment Report.



"If you see the extent to which human activities are influencing the climate system, the options for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions appear in a different light, because you can see what the costs of inaction are."

The implications of this are quite terrifying for the future of the planet yet, because to take sufficient action to slow this down will take draconian remedies, I suspect national governments will STILL hedge and vacillate about doing anything because the consequences will be felt by future generations but world leaders want to be re-elected NEXT term. It is living for now and sticking collective heads in the sand

There is no doubt that correcting this headlong rush to global extinction is going to take a cooperative act of selflessness and generosity by every nation on earth. Tbe United States produces 22% of all the worlds carbon emissions but President Bush is only prepared to tinker on the periphery of the problem. China, striving to be a world economic leader, still runs its industry and domestic households on coal. To persuade these two giants to change, in their different ways, a lifestyle to which each has grown accustomed will take a massive act of will.

Kyoto, which has bound most of the world to carbon emission reduction targets (though not China or the U.S. unfortunately) expires soon and nothing has been put in its place. However whatever might be put in place will be useless unless the two nations who, between them, are responsible for nearly 50% of the worlds greenhouse gases, are prepared to look at the grim future, take a deep breath and make political decisions which will bring massive unpopularity. Whether either have the courage to do so may determine the future lives of millions.