If the team's findings are right, some 145 million people living within 1 meter (3.3 feet) of sea level would be in danger. By one United Nations calculation, a meter rise in the oceans would cost the world $944 billion in damages and lost productivity.

If the results hold true, it would mean a far more limited amount of time left to reverse global warming process. “I would say about six or seven years. We need to think about change rather quickly because unless we do that, then the impacts of climate change are going to get more and more serious,” Pachauri said.

As a consequence of climate change, population growth and increasing energy and agricultural demands, clean water shortages are expected to rise in coming decades. Addressing this fully requires significant research to identify new methods of water purification, with low energy demands and minimal environmental impact.

During the European heat wave of 2003 that killed tens of thousands, the temperature in parts of France hit 104 degrees. Nearly 15,000 people died in that country alone. During the Chicago heat wave of 1995, the mercury spiked at 106 and about 600 people died.

You'd think that after Katrina and other disasters Bush would have a better speech prepared. Or perhaps this is just another example of what happens when Bush tries to ad-lib. "Life is unfair" comes across as somewhat callous, to be honest.