Ms Jennifer Morgan, director of WWF's climate change campaign said that the predictions of global warming rates and consequent environmental destruction from the last decade were gross underestimates. The rates are now so high that the entire planet will be altered by 2100 if nothing is done to reduce carbon based fuel burning rates.

She said "This is a wake-up call to world leaders - if they do not act to stop global warming, wildlife around the globe may suffer the consequences. They must give top priority to reducing levels of carbon pollution to prevent a catastrophe that could change the world as we know it."

Many Scottish species will vanish, the grouse, the capercailzie (wild turkey) and many plant habitats.

So much for new millennium celebrations, what a legacy for our children.