The United Nation’s Panel on Climate Change has released an impactful assessment report. Scientists have observed worrying changes in Earth’s climate. Sea level rises, fires, floods are irreversible. Once in 10 year & once in 50 year climate events of extreme heat, heavy rains, droughts will become more frequent & intense.
The world is warming much faster than expected. Global heating is on track to hit 1.5 degrees celsius around 2030, a decade earlier than projected. Sea levels are rising faster due to polar ice sheet melts. Hot extremes (heatwaves) have become more frequent & more intense. Human-induced climate change is seen the main driver of these avoidable changes. Cities are hotspots of global warming because these trap heat, there’s a lack of cooling areas like water & vegetation.
Extreme weather events are likely to be of larger magnitude, increased frequency, new locations, different timings, new combinations like two or more extreme events occurring together (heatwave & drought). Disintegrating ice sheets hold enough water to raise seas a dozen metres, Amazon could transform from a tropical forest to savannah.
Global warming can be limited but it will take drastic immediate cuts in burning fossil fuels & activities emitting greenhouse gases. It could take 20-30 years to see global temperatures stabilise although benefits for air quality could come quicker. Every tonne of CO2 matters. A reality check, a need for clarity, transparency & an unprecedented urgency in action.
