The climate future can be shaped for the better only if the global community acts now, together and differently by embracing both science and collective solutions.

That call to action is outlined in the Nov. 6 issue of the journal Science, in an editorial co-authored by Rosina M. Bierbaum, dean of the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment. The editorial focuses on climate change and world development issues and was co-written with Robert Zoellick, president of the Work Bank Group in Washington, D.C.

"The window for limiting temperature increases to a tolerable range is closing. All countries must act together, in a differentiated and equitable way, because tackling climate change involves diverse actions by many parties, with everyone being affected," the authors write. (View editorial on Dean Bierbaum's SNRE faculty page - under Links)

Dean Bierbaum returned to U-M this fall after a year-long leave during which she co-authored the World Bank's 2010 World Development Report (WDR 2010), which focused on climate change and development.

The editorial coincides with the actual release of the WDR 2010 in English and five other languages as well as the Dec. 8 start of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. The report synthesizes information from academic advisers and applied researchers on five continents. Among its many conclusions, the report states that the developing world will bear the brunt of the effects of climate change, including between 75 to 80 percent of the anticipated damages.

"Tomorrow's scholars will have to integrate disciplines such as ecology, meteorology, public policy, business, finance, urban planning, agriculture, and public health if they are to solve complex and interrelated environmental and economic problems in concert with climate change," they write. "Planning for the future based on the climate of the past will erode development gains, deepen vulnerabilities and increase inequities.

Related links:
SNRE climate change research and news center

About the School of Natural Resources and Environment
The School of Natural Resources and Environment's overarching objective is to contribute to the protection of the Earth's resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. Through research, teaching and outreach, faculty, staff and students are devoted to generating knowledge and developing policies, techniques and skills to help practitioners manage and conserve natural and environmental resources to meet the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis.
http://www.snre.umich.edu