The UK report collates evidence and information presented at the international Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change conference held in the UK in February 2005, which provided the scientific framework for the G8 Summit on Climate Change, Clean Energy and Sustainable Development held in Gleneagles in July.

Researchers and scientists contributing to the new report were asked to consider the two key issues raised in the February 2005 conference: determining "dangerous" levels of greenhouse gases and exploring options for avoiding those levels.

The 405-page document explores the potential consequences of climate change at various levels in order to predict the possible impact for different industry sectors and regions, in addition to global outcomes.

The report also explores the role technology can play in the attempt to create low carbon economies.

The Avoiding Dangerous Climate Change report's chief editor, Professor Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, said: "We hope that this book will make a significant contribution to the scientific and policy debate on what constitutes dangerous climate change."