Global warming threat to poor

By Tando Mfengwana
08 April 2007

The world's climate scientists have published a harsh warning to life on Earth, Africa expected to suffer the most of all.

An increase in Floods, heat waves, storms is expected to increase, with people in poorer countries suffering the worst effects.

Evidence released on Friday suggest that hundreds of millions of people will face severe shortfalls in food, drinkable water and the effects will be dramatically felt in the Cape Province

According to reports, the scientists say sub-Saharan Africa is expected to become dryer.

And the lush vineyards, rare plant species and scenery in the Cape Peninsula are in danger of withering away within decades if the prediction comes true.

International and local experts say that prevalent plant kingdoms, unshielded coastal areas and fish stocks are at great risk from rising sea levels in the province.

Even if the world starts acting now in trying to reduce the levels of carbon-dioxide emissions, not a significant change could be made to reverse the already damaged environment.

Katherine Bunney, facilitator of a group of global warming activist, the South African Climate Action Network told the Guardian that even if we start acting now, the damage will be limited, but not avoidable.