A map illustrating the global consequences of a 4°C rise in the average global temperature due to climate change was presented to Resources Minister George Pullicino by British High Commissioner Louise Stanton.
The map was launched at the Science Museum in London by UK Foreign Secretary, David Miliband, and UK Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Miliband.
It illustrates some of the human impact of a global 4°C rise in temperature above pre-industrial levels, if climate change remains unmitigated.
The map, produced by the Met Office Hadley Centre using cutting edge scientific results, has been launched ahead of next month’s climate change negotiations in Copenhagen and shows how this is an issue which will affect everyone.
The UK government is aiming for an agreement in Copenhagen next month that limits the effects of climate change as far as possible to a rise in global temperature of 2°C. Increases of more than 2°C would have a huge impact on the world including a shift in mass migration and even loss of livelihoods.
In Europe there would be an increase in water scarcity, more frequent and intense droughts and forest fires.
Countries with warm climates, such as Malta, would suffer greatly as the hottest days across Europe could be as much as 8°C warmer. Malta would also be badly affected if droughts occured twice as frequently in the Mediterranean basin.
Ms Stanton said that unless countries acted immediately, the map would become reality by 2060.
"This is a global problem that requires a global solution. The stakes couldn’t be any higher at Copenhagen: failure is not an option, we need to take action now to reduce carbon emissions and minimise the risk of the very severest impacts,” she said.
MrPullicino promised that the information illustrated in the climate change map would be passed on to the public, including school children.
He expressed optimism that notwithstanding the numerous hurdles, a satisfactory international agreement that would replace the Kyoto protocol could be agreed upon in Copenhagen.
Further information on the science of the map can be found at http://www.actoncopenhagen.decc.gov.uk/content/en/embeds/flash/4-degrees-large-map-final .
The online version of the 4 degree world map provides an interactive web tool which allows users to focus on certain impacts, geographies and access more information about the science behind the map.
The map is available to be embedded on any website and the embed code can be accessed at www.actoncopenhagen.decc.gov.uk/4degrees .
This poster highlights some of the human impacts that may occur if the global average-temperature rises by 4 degree C above the pre-industrial climate average.