Experts raise climate target doubts
Governments are hoping to limit global warming to just 2C
Scientists believe it is still technically possible for the world to restrict temperature increases linked to global warming to just 2C (36F) by the end of this century, a new poll has revealed.
The Guardian carried out the research by contacting over 1,750 experts who attended a recent scientific conference on climate change for their views on the future impact of the issue on the planet.
Almost two-thirds of respondents claimed the current target, which is measured from the industrial revolution, is still reachable.
However, a closer look at the answers of some experts revealed such suggestions were not completely driven by facts.
One respondent told the newspaper: "As a mother of young children I choose to believe this and work hard toward it."
This was backed by the finding that around 85% of those polled do not actually think the target will be achieved, with a number expecting a rise of between four or 5C (41F).
It was also claimed that a focus on the 2C (36F) target could hamper efforts to ensure people are prepared for higher temperatures in the future.
Two major events on climate change will be held later this year, with experts set to discuss the issue in November at the 2009 State of the World Forum and world leaders gathering for a United Nations conference in December.
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Comments
This is scary stuff. It worries me that we're only now beginning to take climate change seriously yet we're already beginning to accept a sense of inevitability and talk about measures to cope with it when rather than if it happens.
Isn't this a little defeatist?