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)