WASHINGTON - A new scientific study finds that the absolute worst of global warming can still be avoided if the entire world cuts emission of greenhouse gases.

A computer simulation by the National Center for Atmospheric Research looked at what would happen by the end of the century if greenhouse gas levels were cut by 70 percent. The result would still be a warmer world but by about 2 degrees instead of 4. Arctic sea ice would shrink but not disappear, and sea level would rise less.

The study found about half the temperature increases and changes in droughts and floods can be avoided by cutting emissions.

Study author Warren Washington says making changes can make a big difference.