BUFFALO, N.Y. — Climate change is no longer a threat looming in the future. It's occurring right now, and experts say we must take action immediately to stop the consequences. A comprehensive report recently released by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides a message of both caution and hope. Dr. Christopher Trisos of Cape Town University in South Africa is one of the report's authors. "The synthesis report brings together work by hundreds of scientists over the last seven and a half years, who have been doing assessments of climate change science for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change."
The report issues a stark warning for humanity. Scientists believe that a 1.5 degree Celsius rise in temperature will result in a severe outcome for both the planet and by extension, human society. Unfortunately, we are swiftly approaching that threshold. Trisos explains. "We are more likely than not to reach 1.5 degrees Celsius of global warming in the 2030s, and at least before the 2040s, and at that level of global warming, the losses and damages from climate change that we are already experiencing are expected to be much greater."
The increase in temperature began with industrialization around 1850. Gases and pollutants being released trap heat that would normally escape into the atmosphere. "There is a near linear relationship between the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and the warming of the climate," says Trisos.
Extremes in weather, rising sea levels, and damage to plant and animal life are just a few of the effects, and the earth is already experiencing these changes. But the report is also optimistic. Trisos is sure that much of the technology we need to change is already in hand. "And so it's really about political commitment, and about the business and private sector, civil society and government coming together to align their climate goals."
On an individual level, we can educate ourselves, and make an effort to use green technology. Trisos says we should also take an active role in demanding change. "Engaging with governance systems in our societies. To ask ourselves, what can we do in our communities, or within our countries to be advocates, and active for climate action."
To read the full IPCC report, click here.