Greta is not going to be happy.
Three stark reports on the rising carbon emissions and impacts on global temperatures have been released in the last week. The reports lay bare the horrific state of climate breakdown and its impacts across the globe whilst indicating the solutions are available to make possible meeting the goals set out under the Paris agreement.
The Production Gap Report released November 20th shows that the world is on track to produce about 50% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 2°C and 120% more than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C.
World Meteorological Report released 25th November shows the concentration of climate-heating greenhouse gases has hit a record high with no sign of a slowdown, let alone a decline, despite all the commitments under the Paris agreement on climate change.
The Emissions Gap Report released November 26th shows that with current country pledges, the world is heading for a 3.2°C temperature rise with G20 nations account for 78 per cent of all emissions.
“This is no longer a warning, we are now experiencing the impacts of climate breakdown on a daily basis, from the wildfires in The Congo, California and Australia to the devastating floods in Europe,” says May Boeve, Chief Executive of 350.org said.
These 3 reports are scientifically peer reviewed and robustly researched, the science is screaming. To world leaders we say: it is time to stop the expansion of the fossil fuel industry immediately. Not a single new mine can be dug, not another pipeline built, not one more well dropped into the ocean. And we have to get to work immediately transitioning to sustainable renewable energy powered energy systems.
Across the globe, resistance to fossil fuels is rising, the climate strikes have shown the world that we are prepared to take action. Going forward people will keep up a steady drumbeat of actions, strikes and protests that get louder and louder throughout 2020.
To governments attending Cop25 in Madrid, the eyes of all future generations are upon you. The world has woken up to the reality of climate breakdown. To those that stand in the way of action on climate change we say How Dare You!”
Author: Karin Kloosterman
Karin Kloosterman is an award-winning journalist, innovation strategist, and founder of Green Prophet, one of the Middle East’s pioneering sustainability platforms. She has ranked in the Top 10 of Verizon innovation competitions, participated in NASA-linked challenges, and spoken worldwide on climate, food security, and future resilience. With an IoT technology patent, features in Canada’s National Post, and leadership inside teams building next-generation agricultural and planetary systems — including Mars-farming concepts — Karin operates at the intersection of storytelling, science, and systems change. She doesn’t report on the future – she helps design it. Reach out directly to [email protected]
