UN Predicts Global Warming-Induced Disasters in Japan by 2050

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RIA Novosti, PUBLISHED 05.09.2014

The United Nations’ meteorological agency predicts a major heat wave and a super typhoon in Japan in a new video series entitled "weather forecasts from the future," aimed to show the effects global warming could have in just 36 years.

“The heat wave has lasted for 50 straight days, with 60 ‘tropical nights’ exceeding 25°C. Heat-related deaths have surpassed 6,500, the highest figure ever, more than double the number 50 years ago. … The imminent super typhoon could cause tremendous damage, halting all city functions, leading to electricity and water outages,” weather forecaster Hiroko Ida says in the video.

The video warns of storm surges, tsunami-like coastal floods that could rise to heights of up to 10 meters (over 30 feet). In comparison, the tsunami that caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011 reached a height of 13 to 15 meters (42 to 49 feet).

Okinawa’s coral reefs are in a state of crisis because of a rise in ocean temperatures, the forecaster informs, adding that “there’s worldwide concern that dangers like ocean acidification in the next 10 years will make it impossible to restore the coral reefs’ natural beauty.”

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), these devastating scenarios are based on the most recent IPCC climate report and show a realistic picture of what weather reports may look like in just 36 years if the world fails to take action against global warming.

WMO launched its series of "weather forecasts from the future" on September 1 to raise awareness before this year's UN Climate Summit, which is set to take place on September 23.

A total of 14 forecasts from different countries will be released in upcoming weeks. The reports are presented by real-life television weather forecasters from around the world. The first video, set in Brazil, warned of heavy rain, floods and landslides in southern parts of the country and months of drought in the north.

Topics: Asia, Japan

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