A new scientific model released Monday predicts Earth is still on track to warm 6 degrees over the next century even with the reductions in greenhouse gas emissions pledged by countries ahead of a Paris conference.
Under a “business as usual” scenario where greenhouse gas emissions are not reduced, the estimated global temperature could increase by about 8 degrees Fahrenheit by the year 2100 above “pre-industrial temperatures,” according to Climate Interactive, a nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C.
The group estimated that if stated pledges on reducing greenhouse gas emissions are fulfilled and no more action is taken, the temperature will still rise by about 6.3 degrees Fahrenheit.
Earlier in the year, G-7 leaders pledged a goal of holding the increase below 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Representatives from various countries will convene at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference later this year.
President Obama has been trying to build consensus for cutting greenhouse gases ahead of the summit. During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Washington, D.C., the White House announced that China plans to launch a national “cap and trade” emission trading system in 2017 and put billions of dollars toward helping developing countries combat climate change.
• David Sherfinski can be reached at dsherfinski@washingtontimes.com.
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