6th IPCC report: Human activities are pushing planet earth beyond its limits
On 9th August 2021, the IPCC (intergovernmental panel on climate change) released their sixth assessment report which consists of contributions from each of the three IPCC Working Groups and a Synthesis Report, which integrates the Working Group contributions and the Special Reports produced in the cycle.
The first instalment from working group 1, “Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis” is available and key highlights are:
- The report shows that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900
- The report also shows that human actions still have the potential to determine the future course of climate.
- The evidence is clear that carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, even as other greenhouse gases and air pollutants also affect the climate
- Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and reaching net-zero CO2 emissions.
- Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate
- The report shows that every corner of the planet is already being affected and it could get far worse (see attached regional fact sheet for Africa)
An article by SBS News, published by Evan Young on 12th August 2021, provides good suggestions on what each of us can do to push forward action on climate change such as:
- Vote for climate action – vote for a politician that prioritizes climate (among other things) when next at the ballot box
- Power up with renewables – pivoting your home and business energy sources towards renewables
- Talk with friends and family – conversations about climate change can be transformative in the social space
- Speak up at work – the workplace is another setting where the ideas, decisions, and actions of individuals can have a ripple effect
- Re-think how you get around – options such as using bikes, using public transport, getting an electric vehicle if you have the means etc.
- Switch your bank – keeping your money with someone that doesn’t invest with high-emitters is one of the most direct ways your money can affect the climate
Further reading
IPCC sixth report press release https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2021/08/IPCC_WGI-AR6-Press-Release_en.pdf
