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The Climate crisisIt has been routinely been described as the “biggest threat modern humans have ever faced”, and the latest IPCCThis report reveals how bad things are still getting.
However, as tanks roll into cities, incredible images of the fighting are emerging. UkraineIt is perhaps understandable, then, that some immediate concerns about the climate crisis are now somewhat forgotten.
However, rather than turn people’s thoughts entirely away from the existential threat the climate crisis poses, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has served to remind many that dependence on expensively produced fossil fuels available only in certain parts of the world is a poor energy strategy, and one which we already have the technology to move away from.
Russia currently provides 40 per cent of the EU’s oil and coal, and around 20 per cent of its gas.
Scientists and climate campaigners have tirelessly worked to highlight the dangers of climate-altering fossil energy. The Russian invasion could be a catalyst for the transition to clean energy generation.
President Putin’s invasion has already prompted major changes in Europe, with Germany Stopping the Nord Stream 2Boris Johnson said that Europe should wean itself of Russian oil and gasoline. The only one soaring is the stock in renewables.
On Sunday, Russian fossil fuel companies operating in Russia were shown how turbulent the economy has become. BP announcesIt was selling its 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft state-owned Russian energy firm Rosneft at a potential loss of up to 25 billion.
One expert Submitted The Independent the invasion put “zero-carbon rocket boosters” on the case for more renewable energy sources.
Furthermore, the IPCC report states that taking steps to adapt and reduce the risks from the climate crisis is an important step towards peace in the world.
“At higher levels of global warming, impacts from weather and climate extremes (especially drought) will increase vulnerability, which will increasingly affect violent intrastate war,” the report states.
The authors write that: “risks to peace are reduced … by supporting people in climate-sensitive economic activities.”
Even as Russia’s assault on Ukraine continues, this has been recognised by Ukraine.
Speaking at the closing session of the IPCC’s two week long meeting, Svitlana Krakovska, an environmental scientist who was speaking on behalf of the Ukrainian delegation, said: “We will not surrender in Ukraine, and we hope the world will not surrender in building a climate resilient future,” she said in English, AFP has reported.
“Human-induced climate change and the war on Ukraine have the same roots – fossil fuels – and our dependence on them,” she said.
Following her statement, the head of the Russian delegation reportedly apologised to the closed session of 195-countries for Russia’s invasion.
Professor Daniela Schmid, one of the coordinating authors of the report, was asked about the publication of the report in the context of the invasion of Ukraine. Although Schmidt stated that the IPCC would refrain from commenting on specific situations outside its remit, she reiterated that it highlighted the short window of opportunity for climate action.
Hoesung Lee, chair of the IPCC, announced the release of the new report. He stated that the “grave” findings highlighted the “urgency to take immediate and more aggressive action to address climate risks.
“Half measures are no longer an option.”
The uncertainty posed by a Russia becoming more belligerent is causing the world to grapple with its own internal instability.
Governments need to act quickly. There is no time for delays.
