The IPCC’s Climate Report Foretells Humanity’s Future

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has published the third and final part of its Sixth Assessment Report, warning that “unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5°C, or even 2°C, will be beyond reach”. The report notes, however, that “there are still pathways to achieving the 1.5°C goal” through a dramatic transformation of society, politics and the economy.
One area where progress is being made is in the price of renewable energy, which has enabled a proliferation of solar panels, notably reducing dependence on fossil fuels. While the development of technology such as solar and wind power has been impressive, a research scientist from Berkeley Earth warns that without strong policies, the climate goals will not be met.
The food industry must also contribute through reducing its carbon footprint; a recent study indicates that the industry alone could contribute a rise of one degree Celsius of global warming by 2100. Over three-quarters of this figure would result from livestock production and rice cultivation, created through methane-heavy industries. Changes such as feed additives to reduce the amount of methane belched out by cows and a reduction in beef demand could go some way to limiting this increase.
Decarbonisation also presents other solutions (a concept known as “multisolving”), such as the addition of green spaces in cities which absorb carbon and improve air quality while reducing shipping requirements for food. The switch to electric vehicles produces reductions in both carbon dioxide and air pollution, creating major benefits to public health.
This IPCC report arrives at a crucial moment when humanity must choose between business as usual or accelerating change, with the report outlining a required transformation of society, politics and the economy. Chair of the IPCC, Hoesung Lee, said: “If we act now, we can still secure a liveable sustainable future for all.”



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