The United Kingdom, France and Italy have called upon major developing economies such as India and China to sign up for the goal of halving the world’s greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050, from 1990 levels.

Foreign Minister Franco Frattini

At the summit of the G8 (Group of Eight industrialized nations) held in Italy, some developed nations like the United States and Japan have asked for a more recent base year, which would make cuts of greenhouse-gas emissions less difficult.

However, the United Kingdom and France urged industrial countries to aim even higher and set a goal of 80% cuts in their emissions of greenhouse-gases by 2050.

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If the rising sea levels continue to be at the present rate or higher, then by 2050 the much loved coastline of Sydney could all be but gone. Scientists say that with the rate of global warming and the rise in sea level associated with it, the sea levels in Sydney are expected to rise with a minimum of 40 cm by 2050, and with 90cm by 2100 (compared to the levels in 1990), where each centimeter is assumed to erode one meter of beach.

Collaroy Beach

With growing effects of global warming, the low-lying beaches across the world are at a serious threat of going under the waves. If the beaches are made of soft sand, then the threat only becomes larger.

Low-lying Sydney beaches such as Collaroy and Narrabeen – which have already been severely eroded by storm seas, Dee Why and Curl Curl, are most at risk. While many residents of the Sydney coastline who own amazing beach-view properties are currently enjoying a pleasant stay, all this may turn in a true nightmare sooner or later.

Local communities in Sydney have put together an eco-conscious movement by which they intend to add sand to the beach artificially to ensure that the beaches are not eroded. The Sydney Coastal Councils Group, which represents 15 local authorities and some 1.3 million people, has been responsible for this “beach nourishment,” program.

While the face-lift measures might help on a temporary basis, this once again reiterates the threat of global warming at large.

Source: Reuters (Image courtesy of 1,2)