“Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread degradation of nature and affecting the lives of billions of people worldwide, despite efforts to reduce risks.”warned the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
experts, states “much stronger” environmental policies and “urgent and more ambitious” actionsbecause if the current level of greenhouse gas emissions continues, temperatures will continue to rise beyond 2025, which means Global warming up to 3.2 degrees Celsius in 2100although the target does not exceed 1.5 degrees.
All this with an aggravating situation: The people and ecosystems with the least responsiveness are most affected.Scientists say in the latest report of the United Nations (UN) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
“This report carries a serious warning about the consequences of inaction,” said Hoesung Lee, Chairman of the IPCC. Climate change poses an “increasingly serious threat to our well-being and the health of our planet”.
“The steps taken today will determine how humans adapt and how nature responds to increased climate risks,” adds Lee.
In the next two decades, the planet will face various challenges. inevitable weather hazards With 1.5°C global warming. Even if this level of warming is temporarily exceeded, “additional serious effects, some of which will be irreversible“, according to scientists.
Food and hybrid insecurity
Risks to society, especially to infrastructure and settlements on low coasts, will increase. It’s already happening: The increase in heat waves, droughts and floods has long exceeded the tolerance limits of plants and animals.and why did mass deaths of various species such as trees and corals.
These extreme weather events occur simultaneously, which cascading effects It’s getting harder and harder to control. “Because of these phenomena, millions of people suffered from acute food and water insecurityespecially in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, but also on small islands and in the Arctic”.
To prevent the loss of more lives, biodiversity and infrastructure, “immediately ambitious measures to adapt to climate change” are needed. and also achieve rapid and steep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions”, note the IPCC experts.
According to this new report, progress in compliance is uneven, and the gaps between actions taken and what it takes to face rising risks are “widening”. Also, these gaps are greater among low-income populations.
The report accepts climate, biodiversity and human interdependence. “It highlights the need for urgent action to address climate risks. It is no longer possible to continue with half measures”says Lee.
Various options are available to adapt to a changing climate and report provides new insights into nature’s possibilities to reduce climate risks and at the same time, improving people’s lives.
Restore degraded ecosystems
IPCC II. “Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and provide essential services such as providing food and clean water for life,” says Hans-Otto Pörtner, co-chair of the Working Group.
“Get restore degraded ecosystems effectively and equitably protect 30-50% of terrestrial, marine and freshwater habitats nature’s ability to absorb and store carbonand we can accelerate progress towards sustainable development, but adequate financial and political support” he emphasizes.
Scientists point out that climate change interacts with different global trends such as: loss and damage from unsustainable consumption of natural resources, increased urbanization, social inequalities, extreme events and the pandemicjeopardizes future development.
“Our assessment clearly shows that to respond to these diverse challenges, everyone – governments, the private sector and civil society – needs to work together to prioritize risk reduction as well as equity and justice in life. Says Debra Roberts, Co-Chair of IPCC Working Group II.
“Solutions will be more effective by combining scientific and technological expertise with local and local knowledge.. If we fail to achieve sustainable and climate-resilient development, we will have a far from optimal future for humans and nature,” he adds.
A global challenge with local solutions
Alongside a detailed assessment of the impacts and risks of climate change, the report harmony in citieswhere more than half of the world’s population lives.
Basic assets and infrastructure, including people’s health, lives and livelihoods, and energy and transport systems are becoming increasingly important. suffer from dangers from heat waves, storms, drought and floodingas well as slowly evolving changes, for example, rising sea levels.
Increasing urbanization and climate change together complex risksespecially in cities that already have poorly planned urban growth, high levels of poverty and unemployment, and a lack of basic services,” adds Roberts.
“Again, cities also offer opportunities for climate action: Green buildings, reliable clean water and renewable energy sources, and sustainable transport systems that connect urban and rural areas can contribute to a more inclusive and just society.”
Climate change is “a global problem that requires local solutions”. Therefore, the report provides comprehensive regional information that facilitates climate resilient development.
The authors of the report emphasize that adequate funding, technology transfer, political commitment and partnerships increase the effectiveness of climate change adaptation and emission reductions.
“The scientific evidence is conclusive: Climate change is a threat to the well-being of humanity and the health of the planet. If joint global action continues to be postponed, the short and rapidly shrinking timeframe presented to us to secure a good future will come to an end,” says Pörtner.
IPCC Report (in English): https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg2/downloads/report/IPCC_AR6_WGII_FinalDraft_FullReport.pdf