Climate change affects every continent, threatens global food supplies and could lead to political instability, and will worsen unless greenhouse gas emissions are brought under control, according to a report from global scientists.
The report warned that the problem was likely to grow substantially worse unless greenhouse gas emissions are reduced.
The New York Times reports the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that ice caps are melting, sea ice in the Arctic is collapsing, water supplies are stressed, extreme weather events are intensifying, among other issues that have been seen.
The oceans are rising at a pace that threatens coastal communities and are becoming more acidic as they absorb some of the carbon dioxide given off by cars and power plants, which is killing some creatures or stunting their growth, the report found.
The reports said that global food supply is at risk and cited the risk of death or injury, impacts on public health and potential mass migrations.
The report also cited the possibility of violent conflict over land, water or other resources.