In addition to more precipitation, the warmer world is likely to produce more intense downpours and snowfalls. This increases the potential for flooding. Precipitation has already increased over land in high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, especially during the cold season. Human health, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, forestry, fisheries and water resources are all sensitive to the magnitude and projected rate of climate change. The vulnerability of human health and socioeconomic systems and, to a lesser extent, natural ecosystems, depends on economic circumstances and institutional infrastructure.
Action Makes Sense And Is Possible.
The IPCC recognizes that many uncertainties limit the ability to project and detect future climate change. The IPCC warns, however, that uncertainties should not preclude action today. Climate-induced environmental changes cannot be reversed quickly, if at all, due to the long time scales associated with the climate system. Furthermore, decisions made in the near-term may limit the range of policy options available later, because higher emissions today will require deeper cuts in the future to meet a given target concentration. International Problems Require International Solutions.