International Energy Agency predicts alarming 6-degree Celsius rise in temperatures

Washington, Nov 7 (ANI): The International Energy Agency has predicted a 6-degree Celsius rise in temperatures in the future, which is far more than what climate specialists say the environment can cope with.European policy-makers have set themselves the goal of keeping temperature rises below 2 degree Celsius relative to what they were before the industrial revolution.

Last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issued its forecasts of how rises between 1degree C and 5 degree C would change the environment.

But, a rise of 6 degree C was off the charts.

Now, according to New Scientist, the International Energy Agency has issued a report, titled the '2008 World Energy Outlook', in which it has predicted a rise of 6 degree C in the near future.

The report also said that the 2009 Copenhagen climate summit will have to set ambitious carbon-limiting caps and that the energy sector must play a key role in making this possible.

The report addresses fossil fuel reserves - the main culprits of temperature rises.

It said that oil is not running out just yet, and could last until at least 2030, if consumption continues to rise at current rates.

However, the agency warns that while the oil may be there, we may not be able to exploit it fast enough to meet demand.

The agency also chastises oil-rich African nations for the energy poverty of its citizens.

As an example, it cites Nigeria and Angola whose oil and gas exports bring in some 3.5 trillion pounds each year.

Yet, the IEA estimates that more than half the population in ten oil-rich African nations could still rely on wood and charcoal for cooking by 2030.

"Tackling energy poverty is well within these countries' means, but major institutional reforms are needed," according to the IEA. (ANI)