What’s in the Report
The report finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require “rapid and far-reaching” transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities. Global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) would need to fall by about 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching ‘net zero’ around 2050. This means that any remaining emissions would need to be balanced by removing CO2 from the air. “Limiting warming to 1.5ºC is possible within the laws of chemistry and physics but doing so would require unprecedented changes,” said Jim Skea, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group III.
The new report: “Global Warming of 1.5 °C” evaluates the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change, sustainable development, and efforts to eradicate poverty.” Link to the report
Why the Focus is on 1.5°C
“Climate change represents an urgent and potentially irreversible threat to human societies
and the planet. In recognition of this, the overwhelming majority of countries around the world adopted the Paris Agreement in December 2015, the central aim of which includes pursuing efforts to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. In doing so, these countries, through the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also invited the IPCC to provide a Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emissions pathways.”
Who Released the Report
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change. The IPCC was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to review and assesses the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change. It does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters. Currently 195 countries are Members of the IPCC, and thousands of scientists from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC. With each assessment, IPCC scientists provide the world with a clear scientific view on the current state of knowledge in climate change and its potential environmental and socio-economic impacts.
Why There’s Hope for a Sustainable Future
What We Can All Do to Act on Climate
Each of us can make a difference. The biggest action we can take? Vote for candidates who understand the gravity of the situation and committed to taking action on climate change. We need world leaders to make stronger commitments to guarantee a healthy future for life on this planet.
Find our more about what you can personally do with our Guide to Acting on Climate Change.
EDN's Earth-Friendly Holiday Gift Guide
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