Bilde

A warmer climate might be a threat to the polar bear. (Photo: Arne Nævra)

Recently published reports show that human-induced climate change is a  major challenge, perhaps the most serious problem humankind is facing  today. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just  published results from the 4th Assessment Report from Working Group 1  (Climate Change 2007: The Physical Scientific Basis). One major  conclusion is that most of the observed increase in globally averaged  temperatures since the mid-20th century is very likely due to the  observed increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas concentrations. The  additional increase in global temperature in this century is projected  to be between 1.1 and 6.4°C; the broad range is due partly to model uncertainties and partly to the use of many scenarios for future emissions of greenhouse gases. Reports from the two other IPCC working  groups will follow later this spring. Last autumn the Stern Review on  the Economics of Climate Change was published. It concluded that the benefits of strong and early action to mitigate climate change far  outweigh the economic costs of not acting.

 The seminar brings together specialists and politicians to discuss  central aspects of climate change, including uncertainties, and  possible ways to minimize harmful effects. Presentations will be given by international and Norwegian experts, including the chair of WG1. A  panel discussion is also included in the program.

The Norwegian Science Council was sponser for the symposium through the science program NORKLIMA.