The climate change situation may be worse than originally predicted, according a study commissioned by temporary power supplier Aggreko. According to the study's findings, Africa, Asia and South America are rapidly developing and causing the speed of global warming to increase significantly, and if the world is to avoid devastating ramifications, developed countries will need to step in and take action.

The International Energy Authority (IEA) had previously estimated a 3.3 per cent annual increase in global power consumption until 2015, however the study by Aggreko says the number is closer to five per cent. Robert Soames, the CEO of Aggreko believes he both the answer to why this is the case and the possible solution to correct the situation.

"The threat of global warming is far greater than people have previously thought. The consensus figure on the world's power consumption going forward to 2015 is simply wrong."

"What's happening is the developing economies are growing like topsy," said Soames. "There's work coming into these countries and when people earn they want to buy mobile phones, TVs and fridges. Now, who are we to tell the developing economies to go without these things to protect the earth from global warming?" 

"There are about 8,000 power stations in the world and the vast majority are highly polluting coal-fired things," he said. "If the world is serious about making an impact against global warming, then just turn the worst 150 polluters around the world into clean nuclear stations and the effect would be the same as if you immediately took every single car in the world off the road. It'd be that dramatic."

» Guardian