Greenhouse gas emissions could see sea levels rise more than 13 meters by 2500

A recent study has warned that, contrary to earlier predictions, sea levels could rise nearly twice as much by the end of this century in case carbon dioxide emissions continue unabated. The net result could be the devastation of coastal communities around the globe and no one would be spared.
These startling findings paint a more grim picture than current consensus predictions because, the suggestion was that the level of seas could rise by just under a meter at most by the year 2100.
This has been reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 31 March 2016.

The scientists used sophisticated computer models in order to decipher a longstanding riddle about Antarctica namely, how did it surrender so much ice during previous warm periods?
The scientists discovered that similar conditions could, in future, give rise to monumental and irreversible increases in sea levels. With the continuous emission of high levels of greenhouse gas, the oceans could rise by close to two meters in total (more than six feet) by the end of the century.
And, the melting of ice on Antarctica alone could cause seas to rise more than 13 meters (42 feet) by 2500. This grim picture of sea level rise, had relied on a "minimal contribution from Antarctica" - that is the finding of the study carried out by Rob DeConto of University of Massachusetts, Amherst and David Pollard of Penn State University.
As Eric Rignot, an expert on Antarctica's ice sheet and an earth sciences professor at the University of California, Irvine, has said - 'we are not there yet . . . [But] with the current rate of emissions, we are heading that way.' He was not involved in the study.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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Save the children who have to bear the brunt of climate change

#COP21 #climatechange #greenhousegasemission UNICEF has sounded a warning that the adverse effects of climate change would be reflected in our future generations because climate change would lead to droughts and floods, the children would suffer from malnutrition and diseases. More than half a billion children live in areas that are associated with extremely high flood occurrence and 160 million in high drought zones. These children are exposed to the impacts of climate change.
Climate change would be discussed in the upcoming 21st UN climate change conference, known as COP21. World leaders would assemble in Paris from November 30 to December 11 and will seek to reach agreement on cutting greenhouse gas emissions, which is critical to limiting potentially catastrophic rises in temperature.
This has been reported in zeenews.india.com dated 25 November 2015.

Out of the 530 million children in the flood-prone zones, some 300 million live in countries where more than half the population lives in poverty (on less than $3.10 a day).
And, out that "of those living in high drought severity areas, 50 million are in countries where more than half the population lives in poverty".
In view of the sheer numbers the magnitude of the task cannot be ignored. As indicated by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake, the children are the least responsible for climate change, but they, and their children, are the ones who will live with its consequences. And, disadvantaged communities face the gravest threat because climate change means more droughts, floods, heatwaves and other severe weather conditions.

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Mt Everest glaciers under threat from greenhouse gases – 70% could be lost by 2100

In a report it has been indicated that more than 70% of the Mt Everest glacier volume could vanish if greenhouse gases continue to increase unchecked – the loss within the next 85 years could increase the risk of floods in the Kosi River downstream from Nepal to India.
This has been reported in zeenews.com dated 27 May 2015.

The study has been carried out by a team of researchers from Nepal, France and the Netherlands and they have concluded that the Everest glaciers could be very sensitive to future warming and that sustained ice loss through the 21st century is likely. In case the greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the glaciers would not be able to sustain its hold and could give rise to dramatic changes in future decades.
The report has cautioned that increased temperatures will result in not only increase in the rates of snow and ice melt but can also result in a change of precipitation from snow to rain at critical elevations, where glaciers are concentrated.
The combined effect would be to reduce glacier growth and increase the area exposed to melt.
The glaciers in the Dudh Kosi basin in the Nepal Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest mountain peaks, including Mt Everest, and to over 400 sq km of glacier area. Melting of these glaciers would increase in the meltwater from the Dudh Kosi basin to the Kosi River. This will, in turn, affect the river flows downstream.
(Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org)


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Reducing greenhouse gas emission - Indian Railways introduces CNG run train

#CNGtrain #greenhousegasemission #IndianRailways With the intention to boost non-conventional sources of energy the Indian Railways has taken a major step to introduce CNG trains – the first such train would be in the Rewri-Rohtak sector of north zone.
The train was flagged off by Railway minister Suresh Prabhu and this would run on dual fuel system — diesel and CNG — and the objective is to reduce greenhouse gas emission. Moreover, it would also cut the fuel bill of the transporter by reducing consumption of diesel.
As per reports, the railways have modified the 1,400 HP engine to run on dual fuel namely diesel and CNG by using fumigation technology. The passenger train would consume over 20% of CNG and cover a distance of 81-Km in about two hours.
An official of the Railways has indicated that the use of CNG in trains would gradually be increased to around 50%. Test trials are being conducted for increased usage of CNG. Future plans are for running more such CNG trains to reduce diesel consumption.
Brief details of the Rewri-Rohtak train are – it would consist of two power cars and six car coaches that have been manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai and the CNG conversion kit is being supplied by Cummins.