IPCC report a ‘dire warning’ about the consequences of inaction. (But we can still lessen impacts…)

IPCC releases sixth assessment report on impacts of climate change on people & nature

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issued its Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability report today. The report discusses how human-induced climate change has caused frequent and intense extreme events, including ‘widespread’ damage. Although it’s not “news” that climate change is a threat to humans and ecosystems, the report issues a dire warning about the consequences of inaction.

Climate change will lead to risks to natural and human systems, but the magnitude depends on our actions now. Projected impacts and losses increase with every increment of warming.

What the IPCC report means for Philadelphia

Think global, act local. The mantra isn’t just a catchphrase, but an essential piece of climate solutions.

Although cities have risk factors that will worsen during climate change, there are also opportunities for action. Director of the Office of Sustainability, Christine Knapp, outlined several of these opportunities during Green Philly’s Climate Promises to Action, which was reflected in themes in the Philadelphia Climate Action Playbook.

“Together, growing urbanization and climate change create complex risks, especially for those cities that already experience poorly planned urban growth, high levels of poverty and unemployment, and a lack of basic services,” IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair Debra Roberts said. “But cities also provide opportunities for climate action –green buildings, reliable supplies of clean water and renewable energy, and sustainable transport systems that connect urban and rural areas can all lead to a more inclusive, fairer society.

Another local leader bringing together the urban and rural areas? Local nonprofit All Together Now, founded by Judy Wicks (who discussed the organization during Climate Promises to Action keynote).

Nature preservation is crucial to a liveable future. “Healthy ecosystems are more resilient to climate change and provide life-critical services such as food and clean water”, said IPCC Working Group II Co-Chair Hans-Otto Pörtner. Scientists say that unsustainable use of natural resources, growing urbanization, social inequities, and more jeopardize future development.

Want to learn more? Read the full report:

TL:DR – What’s the difference between all these IPCC reports?

The IPCC Sixth Climate Report (AR6) cycle includes three different topics:

• The physical science of climate change (Working Group I report, released August 2021)
• Its impacts on nature and people (Working Group II report, on February 28, 2022)
• Options to curb emissions and manage risks (Working Group III report, expected later in 2022)

Cover photo: IPCC press conference 2/28/22

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