Slide #5: If the current energy profile of the world is sustained, what impact will it have on the environment?

  If the world's energy profile is sustained, that is, burning high amounts of fossil fuels as the main source of energy, many adverse environmental effects will be realized. The IPCC summary report to lawmakers highlights some of the potential environmental impacts of climate change.  If current emission trends continue, destruction of ecosystems affected by rising sea levels, as well as ecosystems effected by changing rainfall patterns, are likely to occur.  

  Another issue identified in the IPCC report is the increasing acidification of the oceans.  This decrease in pH value is expected to have a negative effect on shell forming organisms as well as all species that are dependent on them.  

  Finally. besides climate change, severe weather instances are likely to increase with continued upward trends of  GHG emissions.  The increasingly volatile weather pattern will put a great strain on much of the human population.