The window is closing, but we can still stop global climate collapse

Today, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has just released its latest report calling for rapid action and drastic measures to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that global warming has already reached 1.1 degrees.

Bas Eickhout MEP, Greens/EFA Vice Chair of the Environment Committee in the European Parliament, comments:

"The message from climate scientists is getting louder and more insistent. It has been clear for years that we are doing far too little to stay below the Paris goal of one and a half degrees. A year and a half ago at the Glasgow climate summit, all countries agreed to set new targets; last year that pledge was postponed. This year, at the climate summit in Dubai, more ambition must be put on the table. In addition, it must be very clear at this year's climate summit: there will be an end date for fossil. If not, we lose the chance to keep 1.5 degrees alive.

“The UN says richer countries should reach net zero faster. Not by 2050, but by 2040. This year the European Commission will come with legislation for the 2040 climate goal, it's very clear that the EU should move to climate neutrality much faster than we're doing now.”

Pär Holmgren MEP, Greens/EFA Member of the European Parliament's Environment Committee, comments:

"The world needs a shift away from fossil fuels as soon as possible. In view of the catastrophic consequences of climate change that are already being felt today, the costs of doing nothing are immensely higher than investing in climate protection.

“The economy and society need a bold change, away from combustion engines and gas, towards wind and sun, trains and e-cars. We need a massive expansion of renewable energies as soon as possible. Heat pumps and thermal insulation increase energy efficiency and are investments in climate protection and lower energy bills."