Brussels, October 8th 2018: Just 24 hours ahead of the meeting of EU environmental ministers, in which the position if the EU ahead of the COP 24 in Katowice will be discussed, the leading scientists presented firm scientific evidence on the need to limit global temperature rise within 1.5 degrees. The latest report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change – IPCC, which is a document discussed and adopted by government representatives form all over the world, provided indisputable evidence on severe consequence of future global warming, which could only be avoided by prompt and comprehensive change in all aspects of modern society.
The IPCC Special report provides the most comprehensive and factual assessment of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius, in comparison with the pre-industrial era, as well sa the actions neccessary to restrain global temperature rise within these limits. The Report shows that limiting the temperature rise could significantly decrease the damage caused by global warming, particularly the damage that would affect poor people and most vulnerable countries, as well as for all Europeans.
Wendel Trio, CAN Europe Director, stated the following: “Science is giving us both a warning and an encouragement. It has clearly shown that the warning higher than 1.5 degrees would result in very frequent extreme weather events. That would espose all of us to more frequent droughts, food scarcity and economic disaster. However, the good news is that there is still time to act and stay within 1.5 degrees, with solutions in the scope of our hands, helping us rebuild safer and more prosperous Europe.”
Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, former deputy chair of IPCC and climate change professor at UCLouvain University, Belgium, said that “climate change threaten every life form on our planet. This report shows that we can avoid collapse of our civilization by reducing CO2 emissions, which should be our top priority. This is absolutely feasible. It’s what we owe to our children and all the young people who would, in the opposite case, be forced to live on a heated planet”.
The Report clearly shows that restraining global warming within 1.5 degrees requires an unprecedented change and speedy transition towards renewable energy-based energy system. The Report also shows that this is the only way towards safer and prosperous future.
Wandel Trio added the following: “IPCC scientists are sending us this message in the times of preparation for the key climate summit – COP 24 in Poland, during which governments are expected to demonstrate dedication towards new climate ambition and goals. All eyes are on European environmental ministers, who should follow the warnings of the IPCC and dedicate themselves towards achieving the 2030 goals and increase that goal well beyond 45% in order to achieve the 1.5 degree target. Restraining the global temperature rise beneath this benchmark will require complete reduction of CO2 emissions, with 0% emissions by 2040 the latest”.
Sandrine Dixson – Decleve, member of the Rome Club and special counsellor for companies and governments, stated on the subject: “The Report clearly show that restraining global temperature growth within 1.5 degrees requires unprecedented shift towards low-carbon economy. A transformation should be in place, not only a gradual transition. The Report also underlines what was said before by many: we have both the tech solutions and enough money for this endeavor. What we now need is political will and regulatory framework for all industrial and financial stakeholders, to ensure their contribution to sufficient financial flow to support the process. A climate plan we are currently developing at the Rome Club is a direct response to the IPCC report, as well as a document developed upon the invitation from the UN Secretary General, in order to ensure urgent reaction on the subject. We are inviting all the Governments and business leaders to demonstrate higher climate ambitions. Governments could achieve this by demonstrating dedication towards decarbonisation, as well as well-formulated policies for support towards necessary innovations in the economy. Companies should commit to reducing fossil fuel usage and implementing models that are guaranteeing decarbonisation. I rest assured that this challenge can only be tackled with joint forces and thus create a foundation for an unprecedented shift in our civilization.
Dr Eckart Wurzner, mayor of Heildelberg in Germany, stated: “Many cities and regions in Europe are well equipped and currently adopting strategies for climate and energy by 2050. Their response is founded in the latest information from the world of science. Latest IPCC Report clearly demonstrates that we need drastic change and comprehensive societal transformation. The change in climate and energy policies for the EU is not just alignment of already existing parameters – it’s no less than a key next step in its development. This change will benefit everyone, people in all sectors of our society, by creating sustainable working positions, opportunities for investing, improving public health and quality of life, and reducing inequalities. Furthermore, this change is necessary for the purpose of reducing geopolitical threats and securing global stability.
You can read the full statement on the website of CAN Europe – available here
Photo by: Tim J Keegan