UK calls for greater global ambition as UN sees global warming faster than expected



[ad_1]

The UK is calling for urgent global action in response to a UN report released today on the science of climate change, according to which the planet has warmed more than expected.

This latest report released by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a stern warning to scientists around the world that human activity is damaging the planet at an alarming rate.

The report warns that climate change is already affecting all regions of the world and that without urgent action to limit global warming, heat waves, heavy precipitation, droughts and the loss of arctic sea ice, snow cover and permafrost , will all increase as carbon sinks become less effective at slowing the growth of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

The report points out that reducing global emissions, starting immediately, to zero by mid-century would have a good chance of limiting global warming to 1.5 ° C in the long term and help avoid the worst effects of climate change. .

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Today’s report is sobering read, and it is clear that the next decade is going to be crucial in securing the future of our planet. We know what needs to be done to limit global warming: make coal history and switch to clean energy sources, protect nature and provide climate finance to countries on the front lines.

“The UK is leading the way, decarbonizing our economy faster than any G20 country over the past two decades. I hope today’s IPCC report will be a wake-up call for the world to act now before we meet in Glasgow in November for the crucial COP26 summit.

As extreme events take hold around the world, from forest fires in North America to flooding in China, Europe, India and parts of Africa, and heat waves in Siberia, the president COP, Alok Sharma, negotiated with governments and businesses to increase global climate ambition and take immediate action to help halve global emissions over the next decade and achieve net zero emissions by mid-century in order to keep within reach the 1.5 ° C target set out in the Paris Agreement.

The UK is already showing leadership with clear plans to cut emissions by 68% by 2030 and 78% by 2035, leading to net zero by 2050. Today, more 70% of the global economy is now covered by a target of net zero. – against 30% when the United Kingdom took the incoming presidency of the COP. May saw the creation of the first net-zero G7, with all countries presenting emission reduction targets by 2030 that put them on track to meet that target by 2050. However, the report today shows that more urgent action is needed.

Progress has been made since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015. Over 85 new or updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through 2030, representing over 110 parties, have been submitted to outline how countries will reduce their emissions and tackle climate change. crisis.

In a meeting with scientists later today (Monday, August 9), Alok Sharma will encourage countries that have not yet done so to urgently submit new or updated NDCs with their plans for action. ambitious climate change ahead of the essential COP26 summit later this year in Glasgow, in particular all of the major G20 economies which are responsible for over 80% of global emissions.

In response to the report, Mr Sharma said:

“The science is clear, the impacts of the climate crisis are visible around the world and if we don’t act now we will continue to see the worst effects impacting lives, livelihoods and natural habitats.

“Our message to every country, government, business and part of society is simple. The next decade is decisive, follow the science and take responsibility for keeping the 1.5 ° C target alive.

“We can do it together, by proposing ambitious emission reduction targets by 2030 and long-term strategies with a path to net zero by mid-century, and taking action now to put end to coal energy, accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles, fight against deforestation and reduce methane emissions.

British international champion of adaptation and resilience for the COP26 presidency, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, said:

“The impacts of climate change are already affecting lives and livelihoods around the world, with increasing frequency and severity. Along with the need to reduce emissions, this report is sounding the alarm bells to urgently help vulnerable communities adapt and build resilience, in developed and developing countries alike.

“Protecting the most vulnerable is a priority for the UK presidency of COP26. World leaders must heed the science and work together to adapt to our changing climate, as well as take action to avoid, minimize and address loss and damage for those on the front lines. “

Background

  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) met virtually to consider the contribution of Working Group 1 (WG1) to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), from 26e July to 6e August.
  • An online press conference will take place at 10 a.m. CEST on the 9the August during which IPCC Chairman Hoesung Lee and WG1 Co-Chairs – Valérie Masson-Delmotte (France) and Panmao Zhai (China) – will present the report, as published.
  • NDCs are national climate plans highlighting climate actions, including climate-related goals, policies and actions that governments aim to implement in response to climate change and as a contribution to climate action global.
  • The Paris Agreement calls on Parties to communicate NDCs to define national plans, policies and measures that they will implement at the national level to help achieve the temperature target of limiting warming to 2C and to continue efforts to limit warming to 1.5C.
[ad_2]
Source link