"Emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are growing at such a rate that the world will probably exceed a safe limit in average global temperatures by the end of the century and veer into a higher temperature zone that would profoundly damage economic growth and most other aspects of life, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency."
"Emissions of greenhouse gases, mostly carbon dioxide, need to stay below certain levels so that they do not push average global temperatures higher than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit), scientists and policymakers have warned. (The Celsius to Fahrenheit ratio is 1 degree Celsius to 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit.) Average temperatures have risen by about 1 degree Celsius over the last 150 years or so, as mass industrialization spurred the increased combustion of fossil fuels.
The IEA report, Redrawing the Energy-Climate Map, says carbon dioxide emissions grew at a rate of 1.4% in 2012, releasing a record 31.6 gigatons into the atmosphere. On this current path, the world’s average temperatures are on track to increase between 3.6 degrees Celsius to 5.3 degrees Celsius, or 6.48 degrees Fahrenheit to 9.54 degrees Fahrenheit, by the end of the century, said the IEA, an independent research group established by the world’s most industrialized nations."
Neela Banerjee reports for the Tribune Washington bureau June 10, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rose 1.4 Percent in 2012, IEA Report Says" (Washington Post)
"Global Carbon Emissions Hit Record High in 2012" (Reuters)
"World ‘Drifting Off-Track’ for Two Degree Climate Limit" (ENS)
Advertisement 
