There is still time.
The United Nations has said in its latest report that there is now less than three years to stop the effects of climate change, less than 10 years to cut them in half.
Aiming to ensure a “livable future” and stopping global warming, the UN say while it is still possible, the current policies in place will see catastrophic temperature rises if they continue.
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a new report that showed ways we can halt global warming, with UN chief Antonio Guterres saying: “Some government and business leaders are saying one thing but doing another. Simply put, they are lying. And the results will be catastrophic.”
This is the third major review in the last eight months as the IPCC has noted that greenhouse gas emissions have risen from 12% since 2010 and 54% since 1990 and are the highest rate we have seen in human history.
If these CO2 emissions continue at this rate, the remaining carbon budget for keeping warming to 1.5C will likely be exhausted by 2030 and the budget for limiting warming to 2% will be exhausted within 25 years.
The IPCC said that without any major reductions in emissions, limiting global warming to 1.5C is not within reach.
They said that nations should now completely stop burning coal and reduce oil and gas use by 60% and 70% respectively.
They also warned that the current fossil fuel infrastructure if used until the end of its expected lifetime without capturing carbon emissions would make it impossible for the 1.5C goal to be met.
The Co-Chair of the working group that produced the report, Priyadarshi Shukla, said: “It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.”
While there has been a stark warning given, they noted that there is increasing evidence of climate action.
IPCC Chairman Hoesung Lee said that while we are at a crossroads and the next steps are vital, we have the tools and know-how to make the change that is needed.
The report said that there are options for change in all sectors but in order to halve emissions by 2030, there needs to be major transitions in the energy sector involving a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use, improved energy efficiency, and the use of alternative fuels.
While much of climate change is down to government policies, investments and regulations and large corporations, the IPCC said individuals can also make changes.
Cutting down on long haul flights, going for plant based diets and climate-proofing buildings can all help reduce greenhouse gases.
“Rapid and deep changes in demand make it easier for every sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” including construction, food consumption and transport, the report said.
