According to a report from a wire service, scientists in Washington have found strong evidence linking the warming of the ocean over the last 40 years to the release of carbon dioxide from industrial activities. By comparing ocean temperature increases with climate model predictions, US researchers determined that human activity is the primary cause. They predict that this warming will significantly affect regional water supplies in the future. The study's findings were presented at a scientific conference in Washington DC, where the researchers explored various scenarios to explain the oceanic observations, but none of them were sufficient. Dr Barnett stated that greenhouse warming was the key factor in the observed temperature changes in the oceans, with a statistical confidence of 95%, providing conclusive evidence that human activities are causing global warming. The researchers warn that climate change will have a dramatic impact on regional water supplies in the near future. In areas such as the South American Andes and western China, accelerated melting of glaciers could leave millions of people without enough water during the summer. Dr Barnett explained that if the snow pack melts earlier and societies are unable to capture all the water, water shortages will occur in the summer months. Based on the findings of the Scripps researcher, it is essential for political leaders to take action in order to prevent a potential worldwide catastrophe. The researchers expressed hope that the United States would lead the way in addressing this issue. They emphasized the importance of identifying and understanding the various problems related to global warming in order to effectively address and resolve them.