Fears grow over climate deal in Copenhagen

Posted by Mark Stephens

Tensions are rising in Copenhagen as world leaders have yet to reach a deal that could save the planet from climate change.

Deals currently on the table have been deemed insufficient by a report leaked to British newspaper the Guardian.

According to the document, agreements that have so far been put forward by negotiators would still lead to an average global temperature rise of three degrees Celsius by the turn of the century.

Greenpeace campaigner Joss Garman told the newspaper: "This is an explosive document that shows the numbers on the table at the moment would lead to nothing less than climate breakdown and an extraordinarily dangerous situation for humanity.

"The UN is admitting in private that the pledges made by world leaders would lead to a three degrees Celsius rise in temperatures. The science shows that could lead to the collapse of the Amazon rainforest, crippling water shortages across South America and Australia and the near-extinction of tropical coral reefs, and that's just the start of it."

Scientists have stressed that unless the global temperature rise is kept under two degrees Celsius then the planet could face catastrophic consequences, including mass starvation and half of the world's species facing extinction.

Sign up for regular email updates to help you save money and energy.

For further information:

The Guardian