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Cape Town — Scientists have once again given humanity a stark and urgent warning about the impact of human activity on the planet and the conditions necessary for human survival.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change of the United Nations (IPCC). New report releasedFebruary 28, 2022
The IPCC offers “policymakers with periodic scientific assessments on climate changes, their implications and potential future dangers, as well to propose adaptation and mitigation options”.
Are policy makers paying attention?
According to the report increased heatwaves and droughts are already exceeding animals’ tolerance thresholds. This has led to mass mortalities of species such as corals and trees. These weather extremes are causing a series of cascading effects that are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Hoesung Lee (Chair of the IPCC) said, “This report is an alarming warning about the consequences for inaction.”
Antonio Gutteres, UN Secretary-General, has spoken again about the urgent need for countries to stop using fossil fuels. This is in response to an announcement made by more developed countries. They would not support coal power in the international market.While reducing their local dependence on fossil fuels, they can also increase production.
“Today’s Report reveals two fundamental truths. First, coal and other fossil fuels choke humanity. Gutteres stated that all G20 governments have committed to ending coal funding abroad. They must now do the same at home and demantle their coal fleets.
He said that those in the private sector who continue to finance coal should be held accountable.
We have hope!
This was declared by the United Nations The decade of ecosystem regeneration“Assisting in the recovery of ecosystems which have been destroyed or degraded as well as conserving those that remain intact” is the definition of.
This is the second core truth of the report: investments in adaptation to climate changes are promising.
“Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and provide life-critical services such as food and clean water”, said IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair Hans-Otto Pörtner.
“By restoring degraded ecological systems and conserving 30-50 percent of Earth’s land, freshwater, and ocean habitats, society will benefit from nature’s ability absorb and store carbon. But adequate financial and political support is essential.
According to The Guardian, Africa’s agriculture has already been suffering the worst effects of climate change. Africa is warming at a faster rate than other regions of the planet. A 2021 report by the World Meteorological Organization and the African Union Commission, as well as other partners.
Sustainable agricultural practices allow commercial and subsistence farmers to diversify their operations and to adapt to some shocks.
One such approach is agroforestry. It is a new approach to sustainable farming that is rapidly spreading across the globe. It is changing the way food is produced. Agroforestry refers to the practice of growing trees, shrubs and vegetables together in a way that mimics a forest. This helps to sequester carbon from the climate, while also providing food for people and maintaining biodiversity. Agroforestry requires support services that include advice on how to best use each farm’s specific conditions, weather forecasts, and technical assistance.
Dr. Esther Ngumbi (left) and Kendi Muhomi (right), both scientists in the area of food security. Some solutionsApproach to dealing with the recurring drought in Horn of Africa
“Africa will need to coordinate regional efforts to accurately forecast floods and droughts in order to survive the recurrent drought episodes.” This requires reliable drought monitoring and forecasting systems that can accurately predict water resources, ground water availability, and food security.
Research has shown that drought risk can be managed if droughts are closely monitored and seasonal forecasts are provided on a timely basis. Unfortunately, the Horn of Africa’s developing countries are limited in their monitoring capabilities. This is due to a lack of policies and national policies for drought mitigation, unreliable monitoring networks, limited information and technology access, low institutional capacity, and a lack of institutional capacity.
They recommend using satellite-based monitoring system and developing training programs to train African scientists to monitor these systems long-term. They recommend diversifying the incomes of farmers by using more efficient technologies, such as optimised irrigation systems and improved rainwater harvesting technologies.
Debra Roberts, co-chair of the IPCC Working Group II, says cities present both a challenge as well as an opportunity for improvement. “Together growing urbanization, climate change, and poverty are complex risks. This is especially true for cities that already have poor urban planning, high levels and unemployment, and lack of basic services.
“But cities also offer opportunities for climate action – green buildings, reliable water supplies and renewable energy, as well as sustainable transport systems that link urban and rural areas, can all contribute to a more inclusive and fair society.”
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Oxfam’s Climate Policy Lead Nafkote Diab Responded to the release.
“Inequality is at heart of today’s climate crises – in the little more than 100 days since COP26 the richest 1% have emitted far more carbon than the entire population of Africa in an entire year.
“Adaptation is only a fourth of all climate financing to vulnerable countries.
“The recent agreement at COP26 that doubled adaptation finance to $40 Billion by 2025 will help, however it’s far from enough. According to the UN, developing countries require $70 billion each year to adapt. These costs are not decreasing. Rich countries are the main culprits in the climate crisis. They must do more to help the poorest communities who struggle to meet their daily necessities and prepare for the future.
IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair Debra Roberts says that everyone will need to step up to reduce risks, adapt to climate changes and ensure that it’s done in a fair and transparent manner. “Our assessment clearly shows that tackling all these different challenges involves everyone – governments, the private sector, civil society – working together to prioritize risk reduction, as well as equity and justice, in decision-making and investment”.
