A quarter of the world could become a DESERT if global warming increases by just 2ºC

[wvwvw]

An increase of just 2°C (3.6°F) in global temperatures could make the world considerably drier and more desert-like, new research has warned.

More than a quarter of the world's land surface, home to more than 1.5 billion people, would become more arid and droughts and wildfires could be widespread.

Limiting global warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) would dramatically reduce the percentage of the Earth's surface affected, scientists found.


The most affected areas are likely to be parts of South East Asia, Southern Europe, Southern Africa, Central America and Southern Australia. These areas are home to more than 20 per cent of the world's population - that's over 1.5 billion people

'Aridification is a serious threat because it can critically impact areas such as agriculture, water quality, and biodiversity', said Dr Park.
'It can also lead to more droughts and wildfires - similar to those seen raging across California.'

A drier world may become a reality and the horrific scenes of the Californian wildfires may become more common.
The fire scorched more than 440 square miles of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties and destroyed more than 1,000 structures after breaking out in early December.

Drought is one of the biggest concerns in some parts of the world, where rainfall is rare and water scarce.
Some parts of Kenya, for example, can go an entire year without a drop of rain.

WHAT DID THEY FIND?
If global temperatures increase by 2°C (3.6°F)compared to pre-industrial levels then the 20 - 30 per cent of the world's land surface would dry out.
These areas are home to more than 20 per cent of the world's population - that's over 1.5 billion people.
The areas most affected areas are parts of South East Asia, Southern Europe, Southern Africa, Central America and Southern Australia.
Aridification is a serious threat because it can critically impact areas such as agriculture, water quality, and biodiversity.
The increase in temperature and drier world would lead to more droughts and wildfires.
By limiting the temperature increase to 1.5ºC (2.7°F) the impact would be far less.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencete...#ixzz52zXpO500

[Cristiano viejo]

Central America??