Developing countries must prepare for large-scale change

RxPG News via the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme: Even if the outcome of the December climate negotiations in Copenhagen, Denmark, are positive, scientific forecasts suggest that temperature rises in the next few decades are unavoidable. Human societies and economies are vulnerable to the associated negative impacts, particularly in South America, Africa and Asia.

This week (4-6 November), an international group of experts meet in Brazil to discuss how global change will affect nations, with a focus on developing countries.

The researchers will discuss the most effective ways societies might respond to the inevitable temperature rise and related global environmental changes. In particular, world-leading natural- and social scientists will consider the best ways to identify and address societal vulnerabilities and adapt to change.

The group will seek to improve understanding of the financial and human costs and institutional challenges associated with climate-change mitigation and adaptation. An important part of this work is to consider how climate-change mitigation and adaptation could underpin the needed economic growth, social justice and sustainability in developing countries….

Photo of a book of prophecies by that perennial quack, Nostradamus