UN scientists warn time is running out to tackle global warming ... 8 Years max

UN scientists warn time is running out to tackle global warming | David Adam, environment correspondent | Saturday May 5, 2007 | The Guardian

· Scientists say eight years left to avoid worst effects
· Panel urges governments to act immediately

Governments are running out of time to address climate change and to avoid the worst effects of rising temperatures, an influential UN panel warned yesterday.

Greater energy efficiency, renewable electricity sources and new technology to dump carbon dioxide underground can all help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the experts said. But there could be as little as eight years left to avoid a dangerous global average rise of 2C or more.

The warning came in a report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published yesterday in Bangkok. It says most of the technology needed to stop climate change in its tracks already exists, but that governments must act quickly to force through changes across all sectors of society. Delays will make the problem more difficult, and more expensive.