Latest IPCC Report on Climate Mitigation Out
Written by Katie Modic - Executive Director
The latest IPCC report is now out and scientists are saying it is “now or never” to limit global warming. Professor Jim Skea, the co-chair of the working group behind the report, mentions, "It’s now or never if we want to limit global warming to 1.5C. Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.” More specifically, the report says greenhouse gas emissions must begin to decline by 2025, at the latest - and be cut by 43 percent by 2030 - to achieve 1.5C limit. The report says that even if all the policies to cut carbon that governments had put in place by the end of 2020 were fully implemented, the world will still warm by 3.2C this century.
Of course, this is stark news, and individuals worldwide are speaking up. UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, "It is a file of shame, cataloging the empty pledges that put us firmly on track towards an unlivable world. We are on a fast track to climate disaster." And continued: "We are on a pathway to global warming of more than double the 1.5-degree limit agreed in Paris. Some government and business leaders are saying one thing – but doing another. Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic." From Sweden, Greta tweeted her views on this report, and many news and media outlets are sharing their takes as well (see a compiled list below).
Communitopia agrees with the “now or never” sentiment of Mr. Skea. We train our educators in our Climate Change Teacher Fellowship program that the world simply can’t wait for young people to graduate from the k-12 system to start being trained on climate solutions. We believe all young people deserve a chance to develop solutionary mindsets and that the formal education system can play a major role in ensuring this becomes a reality. Sign up to join our next Teacher Fellowship cohort here!
Press coverage of the report
Final warning: what does the IPCC’s third report installment say? | Climate crisis | The Guardian
IPCC report: Global emissions must peak in just three years to stay below 1.5°C | New Scientist
‘It’s now or never’: IPCC warns emissions must start decline by 2025 | The Independent
UN climate report shows renewables are economically viable replacements for fossil fuel - CNN
The 5 key takeaways from the landmark climate change assessment | The Independent
UN Secretary General's statement:
