With just less than three months until the UK hosts the 26th COP26 in Glasgow (UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties) on 31 October-12 November 2021, the intergovernmental panel on climate change published its latest report showing that climate change is widespread, rapid, and intensifying, and that it will affect every region in the world, writes Catherine Feore.
On a more positive note, the panel concluded that strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change and benefits for air quality would come quickly. The working group says it could take 20-30 years to see global temperatures stabilize, according to the IPCC Working Group.
The report was approved on Friday (6 August) by 195 governments, via a virtual approval session that was held over a two-week period. The report is the first instalment of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, which will be completed in 2022.
With more extreme weather experienced in advanced economies in Europe and North America, it has become ever more clear that climate change isn’t just a problem for remote pacific islands or Sub-Saharan Africa, it is a global phenomenon and is already resulting in severe damage, as illustrated by more flooding and forest fires in those regions experiencing extreme heat. While the cost of action seems prohibitive, it is evident that the cost of inaction could be much greater.
Chairman of the IPCC Hoesung Lee said: “This report reflects extraordinary efforts under exceptional circumstances. The innovations in this report, and advances in climate science that it reflects, provide an invaluable input into climate negotiations and decision-making.”
The report concludes that unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions there is little possibility of limiting warming to 1.5°C and that even 2°C may be reached.
Valérie Masson-Delmotte, IPCC Working Group I co-chairwoman said: “This report is a reality check. We now have a much clearer picture of the past, present and future climate, which is essential for understanding where we are headed, what can be done, and how we can prepare.”
“Climate change is already affecting every region on Earth, in multiple ways. The changes we experience will increase with additional warming,” said IPCC Working Group I Co-Chairman Panmao Zhai.