With everything else going on the world these days, you would be forgiven for not having seen or heard that the IPCC (International Panel on Climate Change) released a new report last week. What it contains in its 3000-page girth, however, should make us all pause.
Unless you’re a nut for the details with lots of time on your hands, I’d recommend taking a look at the official key take-aways over reading the entire report (I wasn’t kidding about the 3000 pages). What it boils down to, however, is a reiteration that climate change is happening, has already caused worldwide problems, and will continue to do with worsening impacts, especially if we don’t reduce our emissions ASAP.
One highlight is the recognition of unequal distribution of causes and impacts of climate change: “Vulnerability of ecosystems and people to climate change differs substantially among and within regions (very high confidence), driven by patterns of intersecting socio-economic development, unsustainable ocean and land use, inequity, marginalization, historical and ongoing patterns of inequity such as colonialism, and governance (high confidence).” For more on this inequality, check out this map.
In addition, the report emphasizes the importance of the next decade in combatting climate change and its effects; In report-speak, “Societal choices and actions implemented in the next decade determine the extent to which medium- and long-term pathways will deliver higher or lower climate resilient development.“
And how might we achieve that resilience? “Climate resilient development is facilitated by international cooperation and by governments at all levels working with communities, civil society, educational bodies, scientific and other institutions, media, investors and businesses; and by developing partnerships with traditionally marginalised groups, including women, youth, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and ethnic minorities.”
In some ways, what the report says is obvious, but it’s still good that it’s been said in an official capacity. And don’t miss that it noted that communities and civil society have an important role to play in developing strategies to combat and adapt to climate change.
For a take on Big Oil’s little known role within the IPCC and their contributions to an increase in what the IPCC is calling maladaptions, check out: “Our climate solutions are failing - and Big Oil’s fingerprints are all over them” by Amy Westervelt in the Guardian.
Ok, that’s all for this week, folks. We’ll be back next week with more updates and suggested actions. Thanks for reading!