Global meltdown: scientists isolate areas most at risk of climate change
· Experts assess point at which it is too late to act
· Disastrous repercussions of warming are spelled out
· Graphic: world tipping points
Ian Sample, science correspondent The Guardian, Tuesday February 5 2008
Scientists have long agreed that climate change could have a profound impact on the planet; from melting ice sheets and withering rainforests, to flash floods and droughts.
Now a team of climate experts has ranked the most fragile and vulnerable regions on the planet, and warned they are in danger of sudden and catastrophic collapse before the end of the century.
In a comprehensive study published today, the scientists identify the nine areas that are in gravest danger of passing critical thresholds or "tipping points", beyond which they will not recover.
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http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/feb/05/climatechange