Time to act on global warming is now, say scientists

Scientists dealing with climate change have expressed concern at the pace with which global warming is taking place and have warned that the world is already half way to the two-degree centigrade increase in temperature which was expected over a period of time.

"Already the world was experiencing half a degree more of warming and another 0.6 degrees C in oceans, which is already there in the system," Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change co-chairman Dr Martin Parry said.

Parry was in Hyderabad to address the 35th Annual Day and International Symposium on Climate Change and how it adds a new dimension in research for agricultural scientists. He said he went into five years work with IPCC and came out less positive.

"The globe is already half way to 2 degrees C," he said, adding that it was a negative sign unless decisions were taken faster without any political delays.

He said instead of green revolution, what is challenging is a 'resilience revolution' to develop crops resilient to droughts and floods.

"Climatologists and agronomists should work together to find answers to develop resilient crops and the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics is doing just that in the sub-Saharan Africa region, where it is breeding more resilient crop varieties," Parry said.

On his expectations from the Conference on Parties of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, he said the first meet would be held in Bali, Indonesia, but the big challenge would come two years later when it will take place in Copenhagen. "Just discussions would not do, the time to act is now," he said.

He said political discussions in UN Framework Convention on Climate Change have focused on mitigation and not adaptation. Mitigation and adaptation together have to be worked with, he mentioned.

On carbon credits and trading, the scientist said they are part of Kyoto protocol and are important. However, the whole operation has to be lifted to an entirely different magnitude.

Meanwhile, ICRISAT director general Dr William Dar said the impact of climate change will be high in dry temperate regions as there will be water shortages and dry land. The ICRISAT is focusing on the one billion poorest of poor over the world, he mentioned.

"Crops are being developed which are sequester in carbon-breeding crops which can use carbon from soil and air and pigeon pea is the most carbon sequester crop," Dar said.

ICRISAT deputy director general Dr Dyno Keat said rice is the most vulnerable crop and research should continue to ensure that the crop production does not decline.

The International Rice Institute has developed a variety of rice which can withstand flooding for a week and another variety which is tolerant for two weeks, he said.

At ICRISAT, they are also selecting crops which are more salt-tolerant. However, climate change will bring in added diseases and insects, Keat said. He stressed on the need for funding and said, "Give us the resources and we will do the job."