IPCC Reveals Climate Change Threatens Dangerous and Irreversible Impacts

Climate change may cause irreversible and dangerous impacts for both people and ecosystems. Now, though, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has announced that there are options available to adapt to climate change in the future.

"We have the means to limit climate change," said R. K. Pachuari, Chair of the IPCC, in a news release. "The solutions are many and allow for continued economic and human development. All we need is the will to change, which we trust will be motivated by knowledge and an understanding of the science of climate change."

The new findings come from the Synthesis Report, which distils and integrates the findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report released over the past 13 months. This new report confirms that climate change is being registered around the world, and that the warming of the climate system is unequivocal. In fact, since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia. The atmosphere and oceans have warmed, ice and snow cover has decreased, the sea levels have risen, and the concentration of carbon dioxide has also increased.

There are many risks when it comes to climate change, and those who are socially, economically, culturally, politically or otherwise marginalized are especially vulnerable. Yet there are ways to limit the effects of climate change. Adaptation is key, for example. In addition, the IPCC points out that substantial and sustained reductions of greenhouse gas emissions will also be needed.

"It is technically feasible to transition to a low-carbon economy," said Youba Sokona, co-chair of the IPCC Working Group III. "But what is lacking are appropriate policies and institutions. The longer we wait to take action, the more it will cost to adapt and mitigate climate change."

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