Let’s talk change climate warm up. For climate change is widespread. Also rapid and intensifying. For some trends are now irreversible. I mean at least during the present time frame. All according to the latest much-anticipated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, released on Monday.
Human-induced climate change is already affecting many weather and climate extremes in every region across the globe. Scientists are also observing changes across the whole of Earth’s climate system. I mean in the atmosphere, oceans, ice floes, and also on land.
Many of these changes are unprecedented. So some of the shifts are in motion now. All the while some, such as continued sea level rise are already ‘irreversible’. I mean for centuries to millennia, ahead, the report warns.
But there is still time to limit the change in climate warm up. For that’s what IPCC experts say. Strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. For it could quickly make air quality better. So that in 20 to 30 years global temperatures could stabilize.
‘Climate Change Warm is Code red for humanity’
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the Working Group’s report was nothing less than “a code red for humanity. The alarm bells are deafening. Moreover and the evidence is irrefutable”.
We must act decisively now to keep address climate change
So the UN chief in a detailed reaction to the report, said that solutions were clear.
“Inclusive and green economies, prosperity, cleaner air and better health are possible for all, if we respond to this crisis with solidarity and courage”, he said.He added that ahead of the crucial COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in November. So all nations; especially the advanced G20 economies. For they need to join the net zero emissions coalition. Moreover and reinforce their promises on slowing down and reversing global heating. He added with credible, concrete, and enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). All that lay out detailed steps.
Human handiwork in Climate Change Warm
The report, prepared by 234 scientists from 66 countries. For it highlights that human influence has warmed the climate. I mean at a rate that is unprecedented in at least the last 2,000 years.
In 2019, atmospheric CO2 concentrations were higher than at any time in at least 2 million years. Moreover and concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide were higher. Especially than at any time in the last 800,000 years.
Global surface temperature has increased faster since 1970. I mean than in any other 50-year period over a least the last 2,000 years. So talk about change climate go warm.
For example, temperatures during the most recent decade (2011–2020) exceed normalcy. I mean of the most recent multi-century warm period. For that’s around 6,500 years ago. So the report indicates.
Meanwhile, global mean sea level has risen faster since 1900. Again, I mean than over any preceding century. That’s in at least the last 3,000 years.
The document shows that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible. Especially for approximately 1.1°C of warming between 1850-1900. In addition, it finds that averaged over the next 20 years. So the global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of heating.
Time is running out
The IPCC scientists warn global warming of 2°C will be exceeded during the 21st century. Unless rapid and deep reductions in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions occur in the coming decades. So achieving the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement “will be beyond reach”.
In addition, the assessment is based on improved data on historical warming. For that’s as well as progress in scientific understanding. That’s especially of the response of the climate system. Most importantly by human-caused emissions.
Extreme changes
The experts reveal that human activities affect all major climate system components.
Scientists also point out that evidence of observed changes in extremes. For that’s such as heatwaves, heavy precipitation, droughts, and tropical cyclones. Finally and their attribution to human influence. It also has strengthened.
They add that many changes in the climate system become larger in direct relation to increasing global warming.
This includes increases in the frequency and intensity of heat extremes, marine heatwaves, and heavy precipitation. In addition, agricultural and ecological droughts in some regions. Also, the proportion of intense tropical cyclones, Finally and as well as reductions in Arctic sea ice. Also snow cover and permafrost.
The report makes clear that while natural drivers will modulate human-caused changes. I mean especially at regional levels and in the near term. For they will have little effect on long-term global warming.
A century of change, everywhere
The IPCC experts project that in the coming decades climate changes will increase in all regions. For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons.
At 2°C of global warming, heat extremes are more likely to reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health.
But it won’t be just about temperature. For example, climate change is intensifying the natural production of water. AKA I mean the water cycle. This brings more intense rainfall and associated flooding. That’s as well as more intense drought in many regions.
It is also affecting rainfall patterns. In high latitudes, precipitation is likely to increase, while it is projected to decrease over large parts of the subtropics. Changes to monsoon rain patterns are expected, which will vary by region, the report warns.
Moreover, coastal areas will see continued sea level rise throughout the 21st century. Thereby contributing to more frequent and severe coastal flooding. Especially in low-lying areas and coastal erosion.
Extreme sea level events that previously occurred once in 100 years could happen every year by the end of this century.
The report also indicates that further warming will amplify permafrost thawing, and the loss of seasonal snow cover, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and loss of summer Arctic sea ice.
Changes to the ocean, including warming, more frequent marine heatwaves, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels. For they all affect both ocean ecosystems and the people that rely on them. Finally and they will continue throughout at least the rest of this century.
Magnified in cities
Experts warn that for cities, some aspects of climate change may be magnified. That’s including heat, flooding from heavy precipitation events and sea level rise in coastal cities.
Furthermore, IPCC scientists caution that low-likelihood outcomes, such as ice sheet collapse or abrupt ocean circulation changes, cannot be ruled out.
Limiting climate change
The report explains that from a physical science perspective. Thereby limiting human-induced global warming to a specific level. For it requires limiting cumulative carbon dioxide emissions. In addition to reaching at least net zero CO2 emissions. That’s along with strong reductions in other greenhouse gas emissions.
So Strong, rapid and sustained reductions in methane emissions are essential. For they would also limit the warming effect resulting from declining aerosol pollution. We have been talking about aerosols since 1980’s with the Montreal Protocol (look it up).
About the IPCC
In conclusion, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was also established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Also the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Established in 1988 to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change. For its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies.
In the same year the UN General Assembly endorsed the action by the WMO and UNEP in jointly establishing the IPCC. It has 195 member states.
Thousands of people from all over the world contribute to the work of the IPCC. For the assessment reports, IPCC scientists volunteer their time. I mean to assess the thousands of scientific papers. Those that are published each year. All to provide a comprehensive summary of what is known. Most importantly about the drivers of climate change. Moreover its impacts and future risks. Finally and how adaptation and mitigation can reduce those risks.
Source: The News Market
