Latest IPCC report provides bleakest assessment to date

IPCC Headline Statement report, 28th February 

Comment on cities - Hotspots of impacts and risks, but also a crucial part of the solution

The report provides a detailed assessment of climate change impacts, risks and adaptation in cities. People’s health, lives and livelihoods, as well as property and critical infrastructure, including energy and transportation systems, are being increasingly adversely affected by hazards from heatwaves, storms, drought and flooding as well as slow-onset changes, including sea level rise.

“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,” Debra Roberts of the IPCC 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.”

There is increasing evidence of adaptation that has caused unintended consequences, for example destroying nature, putting peoples’ lives at risk or increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This can be avoided by involving everyone in planning, attention to equity and justice, and drawing on Indigenous and local knowledge.

Useful coverage of IPCC report: 

  • Carbon Brief has a relatively straightforward overview of the report and an in-depth 15 Q & A of the core issues within the report.

  • Edie has provided a useful article on 5 ways businesses can respond to the report through encouraging climate action. Two of the interest ways include taking much more interest in adaptation and resilience as well as adding H (for health) to ESG policies. https://www.edie.net/news/9/Five-ways-businesses-can-respond-to-the-IPCC-s--atlas-of-human-suffering-/ 

  • Edie also have useful comments from green economy leaders bringing out the important adaptation measures that the IPCC report focuses on. 

 

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE