Source: Spokesman-Review

From Wire Reports

February 3, 2007

» A brief look at main findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report:

» The cause: Global warming is "very likely" caused by man – the strongest conclusion to date. Concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the planet's atmosphere "have increased markedly as a result of human activities since 1750," mainly from the use of fossil fuels like oil, gas and coal, and because of agriculture.

» The outlook: Hotter temperatures and rises in sea level "would continue for centuries" no matter how much humans control their pollution. It is "very likely" that heat waves, hot weather, and heavy rainfalls could become more frequent. Toward the end of the century, sea ice in the Arctic may disappear "almost entirely" in summer.

» Temperature change: Predicted temperature rises of 2-11.5 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100. However, the panel also said its best estimate was for temperature rises of 3.2-7.1 degrees Fahrenheit.

» Sea levels: Projects rises of 7-23 inches by the end of the century. An additional 3.9-7.8 inches are possible if recent, surprising melting of polar ice sheets continues.

» Hurricanes: An increase in hurricane and tropical cyclone strength since 1970 "more likely than not" can be attributed to man-made global warming. Scientists said global warming's connection varies with storms in different parts of the world, but that it influences the storms that strike the Americas.

Associated Press