SDG13. The maximum of CO ₂ emissions cannot arrive after 2025, according to the IPCC

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change holds humans responsible for climate change and warns of the consequences facing the planet in the next 10 years

On Monday, the first part of the sixth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was published. Based on more than 14,000 investigations carried out in the last 8 years, the UN Panel of Experts warns of the consequences that the planet faces in the next 10 years if emissions are not reduced. “It would be necessary for CO2 emissions to peak before 2025 and reach net zero between 2050 and 2075,” the experts warn.

The IPCC blames human activity for the increase and virulence of extreme meteorolygic events caused by climate change. An example of this is the sixth-generation fires taking place in Greece and Turkey.

“It is unequivocal that human activity has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land surface,” the IPCC scientists firmly state. The report warns that the average increase in the Earth’s temperature is close to reaching 1.5 degrees, a threshold at which it is considered that the consequences of climate change will be more intense and irreversible. Experts point out that this level will be reached in 2030.

The research notes that extreme heat has become more prevalent and intense since 1950 across almost the entire planet. As well as episodes of extreme rainfall, such as this summer’s floods in Germany. The study also points in this direction towards tropical cyclones of greater intensity, experts argue that they have increased their assiduity and geographical reach by moving northward. In addition, the IPCC also warns about droughts in regions of Europe, Africa and Latin America.

“No new coal or gas plants should be built and the current ones should reduce their useful life,” the IPCC experts stress. They also recognize that achieving net-zero emissions requires carbon capture, sequestration and disposal. In conclusion, this report spells out the end for coal and fossil fuels. “If we combine forces now, we can avoid a climate disaster,” he says.

The UN has called on governments to take action in this regard. They also demand that OECD countries close all their coal plants used to produce energy by 2030.

“The technological change implemented so far at the global level is not enough to achieve climate or development goals. Since 2010 the cost of renewable technologies has fallen above expectations (especially solar -87%, and batteries -85%), but in total, solar and wind represent 7% of the electricity supply, “they point out about the pressing need to accelerate technological innovation.

The IPCC is also confident of a transition from the combustion vehicle to the electric one, but they recall that there is still no appropriate technology for heavy machinery.

In response to the new IPCC report, Mary Robinson, chair of The Elders, said: “Leaders must demonstrate that they understand the seriousness of the science and deliver stronger national commitments ahead of the COP26 climate talks in November.”

Source: Co-responsible