More than 300 meteorologists, environment engineers, scientists
and representatives from 26 countries or regions saw an enormous
task to remain cool in future as they kicked off the International
Conference on Climate Change 2007 in Hong Kong Tuesday.
"It has now proven beyond reasonable doubt that the continuous
burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming and climate
change," Ir Otto Poon, chairperson of the Organizing Committee,
told meteorologists, environment engineers, scientists and
representatives in his opening remarks for the conference.
Poon also cited increases in atmospheric temperature, threats to
water and food supply, increase in frequency and intensity of
extreme weather, re-emergence of known diseases and incubation of
new viruses which will threaten the survival of plant and animal
species as possible consequences if the global warming trend should
continue.
"The task ahead is enormous," he said, urging representatives to
develop strategies that are truly meaningful and have the power to
convince others to act.
During the three-day conference, engineering and environmental
professionals will address over topics on climate change, including
the science of climate change and its correlation and impacts on
carbon and markets, business sector, land and water, energy and
infrastructure, buildings, and the responses and visions at global,
national and community levels.
The conference will also highlight discussions on the United
Nations' Intergovernmental Penal on Climate Change (IPCC) on
Wednesday when the IPCC presents its work on the "Fourth Assessment
Report."
It will be the first time for the IPCC to announce the latest
findings by its three working groups beyond the United Nations
Environment Program (UNEP) and World Meteorological Organization
(WMO).
It is expected that after heated debates, the conference will
agree on priorities against global warming and come up with a paper
of "Call for Action" for governments, multi-national corporations
and ordinary people to respond to.
(Xinhua News Agency May 30, 2007)
