Report Paints Bleak Global Warming Future

The scenario unveiled in a new report by the California Climate Change Center seems bleak -- there will be more fires and more intense firestorms, less water and less predictable water supplies and many more days of extreme heat.

"I think this is tremendously serious, and it will build up over time it's not going to happen overnight," said Michael Hanemann of the center's staff. "What makes it scary is when you trace out the details of how it affects people."

The center's study predicts what could be a hellish time ahead -- warming each decade with inland valleys roasting at over 95 degrees. Rising seas would flood the Delta, turning drinking water salty. Urban air would become so smoggy it would be dangerous to breathe.

Mayors of some of the world's major cities, including San Francisco, joined former President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair to map the road to a less warm climate.

"The fate of our planet is in our hands, it's our responsibility to do something about this crisis," Clinton said.

In a pact similar to the one between California and Britain, American civic leaders promise to share technology to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Scientists say we can slow, even prevent the predicted climate crash with aggressive, but smart investment in green technology including mass transit and energy conservation. Even more important is to wean Californians from their addiction to cars.

"Essentially we can do this with sacrificing jobs or growth in the economy," Hanemann said.