The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report has shown that climate change continues its threat to human well-being, health, and the environment. HELEN OJI writes.
Despite efforts to mitigate the risks, human-caused climate change is causing widespread and dangerous disruptions in nature. This is affecting billions of people all over the globe. Scientists have stated that the most vulnerable people and ecosystems are being hit by climate change, according to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report (IPCC).
Hoesung Lee, chairman of the IPCC said that the report is a dire warning of the consequences of global inaction. It shows that climate changes are a serious and growing threat to our health and the well-being of the planet. Our actions today will impact how people adapt and how nature responds to rising climate risks.
Climate hazards
According to the report, the world is facing multiple climate risks over the next 20 years with a global temperature increase of 1.5C (2.7F). Even temporary increases in temperature will cause severe impacts that may not be reversed. The risks to society, including infrastructure and low-lying coastal settlements, will increase.
“The Summary for Policymakers of the IPCC Working Group II report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability were approved by 195 member governments of the IPCC, through a virtual.
“Increased heat waves, droughts and floods are already exceeding plants and animals tolerance thresholds, driving mass mortalities in species such as trees and corals. These extreme weather events are occurring simultaneously, creating a cascading effect that is becoming more difficult to manage. They have caused severe food and water insecurity for millions of people, particularly in Africa, Asia and Central America, as well as on Small Islands and in Alaska.
“To avoid mounting loss of life, biodiversity and infrastructure, ambitious, accelerated action is required to adapt to climate change, at the same time as making rapid, deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. The new report shows that there has been little progress in adaptation and that there is a growing gap between what was done and what is needed to address the increasing risks. These gaps are most severe for those with lower incomes.
Hoesung said that the report acknowledges the interdependence in climate, biodiversity, people, and integrates natural, economic, and social sciences stronger than earlier IPCC assessments.
It emphasizes the need for urgent and more ambitious climate action. Half measures are no longer an option. There are many ways to adapt to changing climates.
The report provides new insights on nature’s potential to reduce climate risk and improve people’s lives.
Hans-Otto Prtner is the IPCC Working Group II Chair. He stated that healthy ecosystems provide vital services such as food, water, and resilience to climate change. Society can benefit from the natural ability of nature to absorb and store carbon by restoring damaged ecosystems and conserving 30-50 percent of Earth’s freshwater, ocean habitats, and land. However, adequate funding and political support are necessary to make sustainable development possible.
The scientific evidence supports the conclusion that climate change is a threat both to human wellbeing as well as the health of the planet. Prtner stated that any delay in concerted global action would miss a short and rapidly closing window to ensure a sustainable future.
Scientists have highlighted the fact that climate change can be linked to global trends, such as growing urbanisation, unsustainable use of natural resource, increasing social inequalities and losses from extreme events. This could lead to future development being hampered.
Working together
IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair, Debra Roberts, said the assessment clearly shows that tackling the 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.
This is how different values, interests, and world views can be reconciled. The best solutions will be found by combining scientific and technological know-how with indigenous and local knowledge. A sub-optimal future will be created for both people and nature if we fail to realize climate resilient and sustainable development.
“It provides a detailed assessment of climate change impacts, risks and adaptation in cities, where more than half the worlds population lives. People’s lives, health, livelihoods, property, and critical infrastructure are being adversely affected by heat waves, storms and droughts, as well slow-onset changes like sea level rise.
Combining climate change and growing urbanisation creates complex risks, particularly for cities that already have poorly planned urban growth, high levels poverty and unemployment, as well as a lack basic services.
Roberts explained that cities can also offer opportunities for climate change action. Robust water and renewable energy supplies, as well as sustainable transport systems that link urban areas and rural areas, can all contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
There is increasing evidence that adaptation has had unintended consequences. This includes destroying nature, putting lives at risk, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This can be avoided by including everyone in planning, paying attention to equity, justice, and drawing upon local and indigenous knowledge.
Local solutions
Climate change is a global problem that requires local solutions. The Working Group II contribution (AR6) to the IPCCs Sixth Assessment Report on Climate Change (IPCCs Sixth Assessment Report) provides extensive regional information to support Climate Resilient Development.
Climate Resilient Development at current temperatures is already a challenge, as the report clearly states. It will become less effective if global warming exceeds 1.5C (2.75F).
Global warming exceeding 2C (3.6F) will make it impossible for some regions. This important finding highlights the need for climate action that focuses on equity and justice. Climate change adaptation and emission reductions are more effective when there is adequate funding, technology transfer, political engagement, and partnership.