If you're reading this article now, you've probably heard that climate change will one day melt the Earth's polar caps and cause the sea level to rise, flooding many areas, and swallowing islands whole. The good news is that you're not likely to see that happen on this lifetime. The bad news is that there's a whole agonizing prelude to those horrors.

According to a study published for the UN called "Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability," the world is bound to heat up by three degrees celsius before 2100 and cause major changes to life as we know it. The increase in global temperature may not seem much, but the fact of the matter is that the effects are already felt as early as now.

Temperate regions are already experiencing shorter and sometimes snowless winters. Spring arrives earlier than usual and summers have become more intense. In warmer places, wet seasons have become increasingly less wet and droughts are sometimes experienced. The weather's not the only factor in question as biologists are also noting changes in biodiversity.

Scientists showed proof that roughly 30 percent of species in the planet will die as a direct result of the temperature rise and changes in ecology. Food chains could be disrupted because life is adjusting to the changes. Species such as migratory birds who are accustomed to cooler habitats are flying greater distances to the North. Even sea creatures are moving into foreign territories that they find more suitable for life.

The movements of these species could threaten indigenous animals either by predation or competition, tipping the balance in the way the world runs. Simply put, this could spell famine for us all. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon called for all member nations to take decisive measures to help fight climate change.

There is already a growing consciousness regarding climate change in the international community. Led by the UK, steps are being proposed as to how humanity can save the planet without sacrificing much of state economics. Much of the efforts, however, are still in the form of ink and paper. You can read the full report from the UN by clicking the Read link below.