Code red for humanity
The latest IPCC report leaves no room for doubt, scepticism, or denial.
A landmark study published last week called the world to action to take urgent action on climate change before it was too late. The report by the UN’s Intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) was put together by over 700 scientists and experts from 90 countries. 19 of them from Norway.
In previous IPCC reports, for example in 2013, the panel concluded that it was “very likely”, meaning 90% certain, that climate change would lead to longer and more intense heatwaves by the end of the century. The latest report concluded, for the first time, that it is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land. There is no room for doubt, scepticism, or denial, comments Mark Purkis
Annual global temperatures from 1850 - 2015. Image: Ed Hawkins
Climate science has progressed significantly over the last decade, scientists now have the tools to say confidently whether or not individual events – such as this summer’s “Heat dome” in North America, the devastating floods in Europe or the catastrophic wildfires in Greece are a result of climate change.
The latest report gives many reasons to be alarmed, but perhaps one can draw comfort from the fact that all 195 governments around the world helped draw up the report and endorse its findings. This means that no nation can walk away from its verdict.
Impact for Ocean Hyway Cluster?
It is often found that technology for decarbonisation (including hydrogen) is more costly than the traditional solutions – but on national and global scales these costs are insignificant compared to the costs of doing nothing. OHC will continue to pressure the government to make financial support available for companies driving to establish the hydrogen economy.
What next?
With support from Ocean Hyway Cluster and NCE Maritime CleanTech, the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs) is organising “SHIP ZERO - Charging to True Zero” at COP26 in November in Glasgow.
The workshop type event will bring together thought leaders from all across the maritime industry; from zero emission fuel providers, to ship owners, to zero emission ship technology providers. Policy makers, investors, insurers and cargo owners will all be in the room to weigh in on collaborative solutions to achieving true zero greenhouse gas emissions in commercial shipping.
Find the report and summary papers here: https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-i/
