Source: World Wildlife Fund
In response to the alarming new data shared in today’s release of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued the following statements:
Stephanie Roe, WWF Global Lead Climate Scientist said:
“The IPCC’s report on the impacts of climate change paints a dire picture. We have now reached 1.1° C of warming, and we’re already seeing enormous harm and damage to our cities, economy, human health, food and water security, and natural ecosystems. Climate impacts, like extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and species extinctions are projected to get worse with additional warming, and some risks are irreversible beyond 1.5° C.
“The silver lining is that we can still do something about it. Every fraction of a degree matters in avoiding more severe impacts. Urgent action is needed in deploying adaptation measures and limiting warming to 1.5° C. The report highlights that healthy, intact ecosystems play a very powerful role in buffering against climate impacts and regulating our climate system. Effective global conservation is therefore a critical component of mitigating climate change and ensuring a more climate resilient future.“
Marcene Mitchell, World Wildlife Fund Senior Vice President for Climate Change said:
“Today’s IPCC report lays bare how close we are to losing the battle for an environment that will continue to support our health and well-being. This is a turning point where elected leaders must choose to respond to this crisis in a way that will secure the future of generations to come. In the coming months, Congress can take a big step forward by passing a reconciliation bill containing the climate provisions that were negotiated last fall and by increasing funding for international climate efforts through the annual appropriations process. Passing ambitious domestic climate provisions and fulfilling our global commitments will ensure that a safer and more prosperous world does not slip from our grasp.”
