A new climate change map of the world, launched by the British government this past week at the Science Museum in London, shows the widespread impacts of a 4°C rise in temperature, and the picture is not pretty for humans or for the environment. It warns that we must keep global temperature increases to 2° C of face dire consequences globally.

The British government’s chief scientist, John Beddington, explained the anticipated impacts in a video that gives an overview of the new map, detailing things like:

• A serious decrease in major cereal crops in all major regions of production
• Significant reduction in the size of glaciers, resulting in flooding
• High pressure on water and food supplies as a result of droughts
• Severe drying of tropical rainforests such as the Amazon, with subsequent die-back

Ed Miliband, Climate and Energy Secretary put it this way:

“To tackle the problem of climate change, all of us – foreign ministries, environment ministries, treasuries, departments of defence and all parts of government and societies – must work together to keep global temperatures to 2° C.”

So, if you’re curious about what will happen should our temperatures continue to rise as they are right now, go ahead and play around with the map. You’ll soon discover how all-consuming this issue really is. Makes a good case for saving power in our daily lives. And if you haven’t already, be sure to sign one of many pledges and pacts to encourage your local leaders to take firm action on climate change by getting involved in Copenhagen:

• 350.org
• Action-Pact
• David Suzuki Foundation