Here's a look at some of the changes a
British government report on global warming warned could occur:
INDIAN SUBCONTINENT, PARTS OF CHINA, SOUTH AMERICA: Melting glaciers will
increase flood risks and reduce fresh water supplies, threatening
one-sixth of the world's population.
SOUTHEAST ASIA, CARIBBEAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDS: Some areas will need more
coastal protection from rising sea levels. According to one estimate, 200
million people may be permanently displaced by heavier floods and more
intense droughts.
EUROPE: Heat waves like one in 2003 that killed 35,000 people and cost
US$15 million (euro11.7 million) in agricultural losses, will become
commonplace by 2050.
UNITED STATES: Annual hurricane damage costs are predicted to double with
a 5 percent to 10 percent increase in wind speed, which is linked to
rising sea temperatures.
CANADA, RUSSIA, SCANDINAVIA: Could see higher agricultural yields, lower
winter mortality and lower heating requirements. Higher latitude regions
will also experience the most rapid temperature rises.
AMAZON: High temperatures could significantly and irrevocably damage the
rainforest.