Statement From Ken Berlin, President And CEO Of The Climate Reality Project, On The IPCC’s Special Report On Global Warming Of 1.5c
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On Sunday, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5C, a report assessing global progress to curb the worst impacts of the climate crisis. The report, authored by the world’s preeminent body of climate scientists, concluded that unprecedented and aggressive measures must be taken to reduce emissions to levels that will limit global temperature increase to the 1.5C threshold. Climate Reality President and CEO Ken Berlin released a statement in response to the report.
“We’re at an important crossroads. Will government leaders rise to the moment and act aggressively to ensure a better world for our children and grandchildren? Or will they willfully ignore dire warnings from the world’s top scientists?
“The threats of the climate crisis have never been clearer, and the stakes of inaction are higher than ever. We’ve seen the lives of millions transformed by increased extreme heat, drought, and wildfires along with more devastating typhoons and flooding around the globe. Here in the US, millions are still living with the reverberating impacts of Hurricanes Harvey, Maria, Irma, and Florence. What do our leaders not get?
“The good news is that the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to 1.5C – is still within reach. And we already have the solutions to catalyze fast, far-reaching change that will transform our global economy, transition us to clean energy, and create a safer, better world for ourselves and future generations.
“Cities, states, towns, and businesses have led the charge and committed to real climate action by switching to renewable energy and making drastic cuts to emissions. The targets of the Paris Agreement would not be possible without these efforts and we owe local leaders an immense debt of gratitude for carrying the weight of action on their shoulders. Now, however, is the time for national governments to step up with transformative policies that drastically cut emissions, phase out fossil fuels, and end this crisis once and for all. It’s time for our elected leaders to fight like our world depends on it – because it truly does.”