Science has spoken, the people have spoken - the time for climate action is now!
UN Secretary - General Ban ki-Moon has launched the final instalment of the IPCC's 5th Assessment Report.
What is the 5th IPCC assessment and how is it different to it's predecessors?
Over the past 13 months the IPCC has complied 5 years worth of intensive research on climate change into 5 instalments, broken down that's 830 authors drawing on more than 30,000 pieces of research. November 2nd will see the release of the final instalment, named the Synthesis Report.
The IPCC reports act as a definitive guide in underlining the risks and opportunities as a result of climate change to us, the planet and future generations.
To sum it up , "Climate change is here, man-made and already having dangerous impacts across all continents and the ocean; Global warming can still be kept below the politically agreed limit of 2 degrees Celsius compared to preindustrial levels; Securing a safe climate future is possible and economically viable if immediate action taken"
The report marks the point in which the scientific community hands over the responsibility for climate action to the political sphere a very scary thought for those of us in Australia and under the current government.
Here are the top 5 takeaways from the 5th and final IPCC assessment:
1. The point which re-emphasises humans are causing climate change.
"Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems. Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen."
2. The point which reminds us the planet is irrefutably getting hotter.
"Each of the last three decades have been successively warmer than any decade before them going back to 1850. In the Northern Hemisphere, the last 30 years is likely the warmest 30 year period of the past 1400 years".
3. The point that reminds us climate change is causing extreme weather and will continue to do so.
"Surface temperature is projected to rise over the 21st century under all assessed emission scenarios. It is very likely that heat waves will occur more often and last longer, and that extreme precipitation events will become more intense and frequent in many regions. The ocean will continue to warm and acidify, and global mean sea level to rise"
4. The point which reminds us that emissions from burning fossil fuel are the main culprit and cause of dangerous climate change.
"Economic and population growth since the start of the industrial era have been the largest drivers of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. About half of all CO2 emissions in the 261 year period of 1750 and 2011 occurred in just the past 40 years. Emissions from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes have contributed about 78% of the total greenhouse gas emissions increase from 1970 to 2010."
5. The point which tells us adopting real, sustainable, behaviour change is key, both on a global (political) and local level.
"Adaptation can reduce the risks of climate change impacts, but there are limits to its effectiveness, especially with greater magnitudes and rates of climate change. Taking a longer-term perspective, in the context of sustainable development, increases the likelihood that more immediate adaptation actions will also enhance future options and preparedness."
"Adaptation and mitigation responses are underpinned by common enabling factors. These include effective institutions and governance, innovation and investments in environmentally sound technologies and infrastructure, sustainable livelihoods, and behavioral and lifestyle choices "
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At 1 Million Women we make it our mission to bring a positive language to sustainability and climate action, reminding everyone that we have the real power to change the world. Sometimes, like today, this can be very hard and even a bit scary.
However, what's important is how we use this information and the passion for action it inspires in people. For example, did you know that 35% of the worlds energy consumption is a result of energy we use at home? Imagine the difference we can make if we collectively reduce our energy consumption! It's easy, we can show you how.
We can't wait for governments, because there is no more debate. Climate change is real and we can act now to make a difference for future generations.
Let World leaders know that climate change is on your agenda for the G20 Summit! Click here to see what you can do to motivate real direct action on climate change: