Latest research has uncovered a factor called Global Dimming, the ultimate effect of which is that we have much less time than we previously thought before global temperatures rise by the two degrees required to start the Greenland ice sheet melting.  Best estimates now suggest that if we do nothing it will start in just 25 years.  And once it has started, it cannot be stopped.  By 2040 the rise would be 4 degrees, leading to the destruction of the rainforests that are so vital to our survival.  By 2100 the rise would be 10 degrees, the largest temperature rise in the history of the planet, leaving many equatorial countries uninhabitable and Britain with a North African climate.  And all the time, sea levels would be rising, leading ultimately to billions of people losing their homes and land all over the world.

It is unthinkable that we could effectively destroy our planet within the space of a few years, and yet that is what will happen unless the world community acts now.  I was pleased to see our Prime Minister Tony Blair trying to bring the USA on board during his recent speech to the World Economic Forum, but whether George Bush finally gets the message and starts taking some action remains to be seen.  At this point in time the US is the single biggest reason why our world will be destroyed, and the President doesn't seem to care:  he's more interested in making sure American businesses go on making fat profits. 

It seems that we cannot rely on our governments to save the world for us while doing nothing ourselves: democratic governments can only act according to the will of its people.  Global warming is caused directly by the addition of carbon dioxide to the air.  If everyone reduces their own carbon dioxide contribution we'll all be helping the global situation and at the same time create a momentum for change that governments cannot ignore.  Here's some things we can all do to make a difference.

You'll find up to date information on all aspects of climate change on the Friends of the Earth website: if you're not already a member, please consider joining.  All of the information on Global Dimming and its consequences was presented in Horizon on 13 January 2005:  I have a copy on DVD and will be happy to loan it to anyone who would like to see it.