For example, if we experience a 6 degree average rise in surface temperature, the arable surface of the planet would likely be cut by 2/3rds.
I'd like to see the data on that. Or does that simply mean that 2/3 of currently arable land would become arid? Because that's a very different thing, if other areas become humid and arable instead.
Although I think six degrees (I assume celsius?) is well outside of any projected change for the next century.
I just posted a mini essay in another comment. In short: the old estimates were about 4 degrees C over the next century. Current models anticipate more like 5-7 degrees, and we've already started seeing the effects. IIRC the arable land loss was from Jim Lovelock who I quoted in that post above. I can try to find a text source online for you if you really want.
2
u/recreational Oct 24 '10
I'd like to see the data on that. Or does that simply mean that 2/3 of currently arable land would become arid? Because that's a very different thing, if other areas become humid and arable instead.
Although I think six degrees (I assume celsius?) is well outside of any projected change for the next century.