Climate Change 2001:
Synthesis Report
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Figure 6-3: Risks of climate change damages would be reduced by stabilizing CO2 concentration. The risks of adverse impacts from climate change are depicted for different magnitudes of global mean temperature change, where global mean temperature change is used as a proxy for the magnitude of climate change. Estimates of global mean temperature change by the year 2100 relative to the year 1990 are shown on the righthand side of the figure for scenarios that would lead to stabilization of the atmospheric concentration of CO2 , as well as for the full set of SRES projections. Many risks associated with warming above 3.5°C by the year 2100 would be avoided by stabilizing CO2 concentration at or below 1,000 ppm. Stabilization at a lower level would reduce risks further.White indicates neutral or small negative or small positive impacts or risks; yellow indicates negative impacts for some systems or low risks; and red means negative impacts or risks that are more widespread and/or greater in magnitude. The assessment of impacts or risks takes into account only the magnitude of change and not the rate of change. Global mean annual temperature change is used as a proxy for the magnitude of climate change, but impacts would be a function of, among other factors, the magnitude and rate of global and regional changes in mean climate, climate variability and extreme climate phenomena, social and economic conditions, and adaptation.

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