Study Says Earth Warming Faster Than Predicted

The Russian Arctic region (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) 30 January 2006 -- A new study on global warming published by the British government says ice at the Earth's poles could melt much faster than earlier predicted, with serious consequences for the world's environment and economy.

The study, which is prefaced with an introduction by Prime Minister Tony Blair, says emissions of greenhouse gases have increased six-fold in the past 200 years.

The study predicts that at current rates, global temperatures are likely to rise by between 1.4 and nearly 6 degrees Celsius by 2100. This could trigger the melting of the polar ice cap, including much of Greenland as well as Antarctica.

Sea levels would then rise dramatically, causing major environmental and economic damage to many countries.

(AFP)