Amsterdam, 25th March 2008 - A new report
published today estimates that 125 million people could be
displaced in South East Asia by the end of the century if global
temperatures were to rise by between 4-5oC. The report comes days
before governments are due to meet in Thailand for another round of
climate change talks.
Experts warn that if greenhouse gas emissions grow unchecked,
global temperatures could rise by between 4-5oC. The Greenpeace
commissioned study, 'Blue Alert - Climate Migrants in South Asia:
Estimates and Solutions' by Dr Sudhir Chella Rajan, a professor of
Humanities at IIT Madras - warns that if this happens, millions
would be displaced by the impacts of climate change, including
rising sea levels, and droughts associated with shrinking water
supplies and changes to the Monsoon season.
Greenpeace International climate and energy campaigner,
Stephanie Tunmore said: "This is yet more evidence of the
humanitarian disaster that will unfold if we fail to be guided by
the science of climate change and act to reduce our emissions. It
is also further confirmation that climate change will hit the
poorest nations, where people are most vulnerable, first and
hardest".
"As we speak, governments are preparing for another round of
climate talks in Bangkok, Thailand next week - the first since Bali
- and there is no indication that they have grasped the urgency of
the situation or the potential human cost".
Three months ago in Bali, Indonesia, governments established the
Bali Road Map, a two year negotiating process which must, by the
end of 2009, result in an agreement that will see emissions peak in
the next 10-15 years and reduce dramatically by 2050. The Bangkok
meeting will discuss how to tackle this task and set out a work
programme for the next two years.
"We need to see real progress in the next round of talks.
Governments are still talking rather than acting, and in too many
cases are still being dictated to by the fossil fuel industry.
There is a very small window of opportunity in which to make the
necessary cuts. We need to see a sense of urgency and real
commitment to avoid the horrendous scenarios outlined by Dr Rajan
in this report" added Tunmore.
Greenpeace believes it is possible to keep the worst impacts of
climate change - such as extreme weather events, water crises and
increased hunger - from putting millions of people at risk. This
will take a revolution in the way
we use and produce energy, and a strong commitment to stop
deforestation worldwide.
Notes: 1.) 130 million people live in what is known as the Low Coastal Elevation Zone covering India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, and which includes major cities such as Mumbai. On average the entire region is 10 metres below sea level.2.) The Bangkok climate talks will take place from March 31st – April 4th at the UN ESCAP.3.) For more information please contact Vicky Wyatt, Greenpeace International Press Office on 00 44 20 7865 8281 or 00 44 7801 212 970.