IPCC report: Global emissions can be halved by 2030 with major transitions in the energy sector
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IPCC report: Global emissions can be halved by 2030 with major transitions in the energy sector
Global emissions can be halved by 2030 with major transitions in the energy sector, including a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use, said an IPCC report released on Monday, highlighting that mitigation action needs to be taken now to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group III report ‘Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change’, which was released worldwide, said that from 2010-to 2019, the average annual global greenhouse gas emissions were at their highest levels in human history.
“Limiting global warming will require major transitions in the energy sector. This will involve a substantial reduction in fossil fuel use, widespread electrification, improved energy efficiency, and use of alternative fuels (such as hydrogen),” the report said.
Without immediate deep emissions reduction across all sectors, limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is beyond reach. However, there is increasing evidence of climate action, said scientists in the latest report.
“We are at crossroads. The decisions we make now can secure a liveable future. We have the tools and know-how required to limit warming,” said IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee.
“I am encouraged by climate action being taken in many countries. There are policies, regulations and market instruments that are proving effective. If these are scaled up and applied more widely and equitably, they can support deep emissions reductions and stimulate innovation,” Lee said.
Jayashree Roy, one of the coordinating authors of the report, said an important takeaway from the report is that the next few years will be critical when countries will decide on mitigating actions.
The report was approved by 195 member governments of the IPCC through a virtual approval session that started on March 21. It is the third installment of the IPCC’s sixth assessment report (AR6), which will be completed this year.
“Having the right policies, infrastructure, and technology in place to enable changes to our lifestyles and behavior can result in a 40-70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This offers significant untapped potential,” said IPCC Working Group III Co-Chair Priyadarshi Shukla.