Climate change and future scenarios

• Main Authors: Ač, A. (Alexander), Krupková, L. (Lenka), Marek, Michal V.
• Format: Book Part
• Language: English
• Published: 2015
• Subjects: climate change; global climate change; ecosystems; tipping points; adaptation; mitigation; complexity; Climate change
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0255969

Climate and weather processes are being increasingly affected by rising concentration of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. The review of observed impacts of climate warming in key ecosystems is presented, including Arctic region, global forests and oceans. Evidence of climate change influence on selected weather extremes is discussed, as well as its implications for human societies. Furthermore, expected impacts of climate warming if current trends in carbon emissions will continue into the future, were presented. Tresholds and „tipping point“ elements for various important areas where impacts of climate change will become unstoppable and irreversible, based on current scientific understanding, are presented. A case study for Bili Kriz experimental site is selected, in order to demonstrate the reality of climate change. Finally, alternative emission scenarios projected into the future, as well as their implications for the economy and the society as a whole are discussed.