If emissions of CO2
and other greenhouse gases are not drastically reduced the future
climate will change significantly
Future climate
change caused by increased greenhouse seems inevitable. Even if we
succeed very soon in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and
stabilizing the atmospheric content at the current level, there
will be a global temperature increase of one or more degrees over
the next 40 to 50 years because of the emissions that have already
taken place.
Depending on how greenhouse gas emissions evolve in the coming
decades, the earth's average temperature will rise between 1.1 and
6.4 ° C. At the same time the world's sea levels are expected to
rise between 20 and 60 cm. We can already see the effects of
climate change today. In Denmark, the extremely heavy rain has for
example resulted in the flooding of roads and both public and
private basements.
Society must start adapting now
It is crucial that we take climate change into consideration when,
for example, planning new roads, bridges and dykes. Climate
adaptation means not only adapting to climate change, but just as
important is thinking long term into the future by applying the
knowledge we have of our future climate into the planning of our
society today.
As part of the government's strategy for adapting to climate change
in Denmark, a portal for climate adaptation,
klimatilpasning.dk, has been set up, run by the
Danish Energy Agency. Here you can find useful information to
inspire and motivate private citizens, municipalities and companies
alike to join in a concerted effort. The portal also includes
access to knowledge about our future climate and the areas of
vulnerability, consequences and possible courses of action in 12
key sectors of society.