A landmark U.N. report released on Monday calls for urgent global action to combat the climate crisis, warning that current efforts are insufficient to prevent severe consequences.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlighted that the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels has become more challenging due to rising greenhouse gas emissions.
The report states that deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are essential across all sectors. To achieve this, global emissions must be halved by 2030.
Surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold could trigger tipping points, leading to drastic shifts in the Earth’s systems.
IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee emphasized the need for effective and equitable climate action, which could mitigate losses and provide broader benefits. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres described the report as a “survival guide for humanity,” urging a significant increase in climate action.
The IPCC report highlights the urgent need for accelerated global climate action and policies.Guterres announced an “Acceleration Agenda” to expedite efforts, with wealthy nations aiming for net-zero emissions by 2040 and emerging economies by 2050.
The IPCC report, distilled from over 10,000 pages of research, serves as a crucial guide for addressing the climate emergency.
It underscores the urgency of removing barriers to capital flow for reducing emissions, with policymakers, investors, and regulators playing pivotal roles. U.S. climate envoy John Kerry acknowledged progress but stressed the need for immediate action to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
The report also highlights the disproportionate effects on vulnerable populations, noting that almost half of the global population lives in regions highly susceptible to climate change. The upcoming COP28 climate summit in Dubai will further assess global efforts to meet the Paris Agreement goals.
Scientists warn that surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit is imminent, urging an end to new fossil fuel projects and decommissioning existing sites to prevent climate disaster.