Earth could warm by 7°C by 2200, warns study

A new study suggests that global warming could lead to an increase in Earth's temperature by 7°C (12.6°F) by the year 2200, even if carbon dioxide emissions are reduced. Researchers at Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) warn that this warming could cause severe food shortages and force many people to leave their homes due to flooding. The study shows that such extreme warming will create conditions too hot for many crops to grow. This could result in global food insecurity and starvation. Rising sea levels will also threaten coastal cities with flooding and increase the frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires. Christine Kaufhold, the lead author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for rapid carbon reduction efforts. She noted that warming could be much higher than previously expected, even under moderate emission scenarios. The researchers developed a new computer model to predict future climate conditions, taking into account both physical and biological processes related to greenhouse gases. Their model revealed that Earth could still warm by 3°C (5.4°F) by 2200, even if all emissions stopped today. This highlights the long-term impact of greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere. The study also points to complicated feedback loops that could further accelerate warming, making it even harder to control future temperatures. The findings call into question the feasibility of meeting the goals set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C (3.6°F). Researchers urge that immediate action is essential to prevent further climate deterioration. They warn that the time to act is rapidly running out, and stronger emissions reduction must occur to secure a livable future for the next generations.