
The UN Climate Change Ultimatum
According to a landmark UN report published today, a future of worsening droughts, forest fires and floods awaits us unless we act now. The report asks nations around the world to make drastic changes regarding carbon emissions and to keep global temperatures within the 1.5C-2C range over the next decade.
“It’s a line in the sand and what it says to our species is that this is the moment and we must act now,” said Debra Roberts, a co-chair of the working group on impacts. “This is the largest clarion bell from the science community and I hope it mobilises people and dents the mood of complacency.”
The world is currently 1C warmer than preindustrial levels and has been rising steadily in recent years. The heat waves, hurricanes and forest fires witnessed in the northern hemisphere this year are a clear indicator that climate change is already happening and it’s up to us to stop it.
By sticking to the limits set out in the report, we should be able to prevent further damage to the Arctic and save the coral reefs which have been declining rapidly.
As far as its impact on the planet goes, the difference between 1.5C and 2C is astronomical. The amount of people affected by rising ocean levels would be 50% lower than at 2C, while food scarcity would be a problem for fewer nations.
Published by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the report outlines the steps needed to be taken in order for us to stay in the safety zone. Carbon pollution would need to be cut 45% by 2030 and reduced to 0% by 2050. Governments worldwide will also need to establish strong policies on reforestation, electric transport and the use of carbon capture technology.
At Abodoo, we’re always talking about the personal benefits of cutting your commute, but the environmental benefits are just as important. By adopting a SmartWorking policy, each commuter can prevent creating 6-9 tons of CO2 each year. Last year, Logitech were able to create an emissions saving of 60,389kg CO2 by enforcing a SmartWorking policy for just one week.
If you think you’re in a position to become a SmartWorker, why not become one and help change the world while you’re at it.