In 1988, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) came together to form the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). This UN body provides “policymakers with regular scientific assessments on the current state of knowledge about climate change.”
What does the IPCC report tell us?
At present, global temperatures are rising at a catastrophic rate. This Sixth Assessment Report from the IPCC, Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, states that we are running out of time to reverse the damage caused. It reports that greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025. Emissions need to be reduced by 43% by 2030 to give the planet a chance at reducing future heating to 1.5˚ C above pre-industrial levels. This report was released on April 4th 2022, and it draws on the scientific research of thousands of scientists to curate a comprehensive review of climate science. It has taken 7 years to complete and must be approved by 195 member governments within the IPCC, through a virtual approval session which began on March 21st 2022. The report drives home the message that climatic temperatures rising above 1.5˚ C is inevitable without change, and the effects it will have on our planet will be irreversible.
What can be done?
Despite this, through radical action it is possible to bring global temperatures down past a critical level. For this scenario to happen, government action is needed immediately to promote renewable energy resources and prioritise carbon dioxide removal. The time to act is now.
The results of climate change will have unimaginable implications on our planet, from war and famine to drought and the mass spread of disease. Action must be taken on a global scale. Reducing energy consumption is vital in the fight against climate change as it relies on the burning of finite fossil fuels. Nations must prioritise making renewable energy systems available for the public whilst improving infrastructure to support this movement. The electrification of public transport is a prime example of the role government bodies can play in improving public infrastructure. By using materials more efficiently and encouraging the reuse and recycling of old resources in the industry, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced.
As it stands, society is currently at a crossroads. We have the knowledge and the materials needed to make significant changes, yet still little action is being taken.
“It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5C. Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.”
Jim Skea, IPCC Working Group III Co-Chair
The IPCC report is clear that mitigation in industry is essential to combating the climate crisis, as it allows for the correct and most effective steps to be taken. It is no surprise to us today that we are running out of time, fast. Action is the answer and the time to be frugal with financial support is in the past. According to the report, financial flows are three to six times lower now than what is needed by 2030.
When will we take the steps to act to protect our planet? If we stand by and allow time to pass us by, the targets of the Paris Agreement are in danger of never being met.
What can your business do?
At Grain, we believe we are better working as a team. With that in mind, we bring our skills to the table — innovative sustainability solutions, together with assessing current social and environmental actions — so that we can make your business or organisation a better fit for the planet. There are many simple ways to make a start and create an impact. Get in touch to see how we can help your business to help the planet.
