We have a common cause that will require a cooperative solution that will stretch all our capabilities to the utmost, and, even at best, will result in eventual stabilization of the atmosphere at a higher level of greenhouse gas concentrations than is desirable. The question of what climate change means to you as an individual, or as part of a community, or even a nation, is far less simply stated than identifying the global consequences. To focus more clearly on this, requires another kind of country study. I would encourage nations to undertake national impact studies which would attempt to identify the implications of a climate change, to which we are already committed as a consequence of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere over the past hundred years. The degree to which we are able or willing to limit the amount of future climate change and sea level rise is still to be determined.
Science demands stringent controls now if changes are to be kept to a minimum.
Controls of the magnitude required are not on the agenda of many countries and accordingly, we will have to adapt to a new climate. Forced adaptation through a lack of preparation is not a responsible option and climate impact studies are needed to identify the range of strategies each country or region might employ to adapt to changing yields of food crops, alterations in water supply and availability, and sea level invasion of beaches, coastal wetlands, port facilities and dwellings. Climate is a resource and we must take full advange of the benefits of change as well as protecting ourselves against the excesses, a climate out of control might bring. This meeting will discuss the economics of climate change, particularly the costs of mitigation. Country studies that identify the least cost options for this, not only benefit the nations financially, but also contribute to an effective international programme to reduce, as much as possible, unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions, including the newly industrializing nations.