By: Alexandra Kramer
With the conclusion of the fifth assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), there is no doubt about the urgency posed in the report concerning the reality and emergency of climate change. The reports of the IPCC are written and supported by thousands of experts to educate policymakers and the global community. The most recent publications combine to form the fifth assessment report in a series of scientifically accredited research and analytic studies on climate change that first started in 1990. The final section of the full report was released in November and is very blunt in its analysis; atmoshperic greenhouse gas are at their highest levels in 800,000 years and we must act swiftly and agressively to avoid the most dangerous systemic impacts of climate disruption.
This fifth assessment report is broken into five parts that clearly relay the emergency of climate change and the dire need for policy makers to provide mitigating regulation. The first section addressed the observed changes, their causes, the evident high scientific confidence about global warming, the anthropogenic or human impact, and the extreme weather changes. The IPCC stated that it will continue to explore the future of climate change, but that scientists do not see the problem subsiding in the near future if we are to continue our current lifestyle. The council calls for reduction, regulation, and efficiency before there are “severe, pervasive, and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems." The substantial risks and impacts described by the IPCC are clearly important to all nations, but the studies show that the highest and most immediate risks will be focused on developing countries and disadvantaged people. The IPCC noted that the scientific community has shared the data, the risks, and the urgency, and the response is now in the hands of policy makers to recognize the importance of the issue and respond accordingly.
To conclude their fifth assessment report, the IPCC presented possible solutions and future pathways for adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development. Suggestions included trade-offs, synergies, and sustainable development and the report noted that, globally, governments have the tools to make changes needed; the only thing left is implementation. In fact, in every major sector, mitigation is possible and in some cases can be more cost-effective. The fifth assessment report is the most recent in the call for action, and it is now in the hands of organizations, governments, and regions to create the change before permanent damage is done to our planet.
In Maryland we are fighting climate disruption now. Our cities are facing encroaching tides, our temperature are rising, and the Chesapeake Bay is warming. Our state has established various programs to address our contribution of climate disruption-causing pollution, but the science is clear; we need to do more. The Sierra Club is part of a broad and growing coalition asking our state leaders to double up our commitment to renewable energy. The time to act is now, and we ask you to join us in calling for this exciting goal that would make Maryland a leader in the clean energy economy. Sign our online petition and let us know how you want to help us grow this campaign. Get in touch with our Beyond Coal team in Maryland – email David Smedick at david.smedick@mdsierra.org or Seth Bush at seth.bush@sierraclub.org to get more involved. With you help canvassing, spreading the word, writing to your paper, and talking with your elected officials, we can show the country that Maryland is ready to lead on climate. Check out our calendar of events to see the next chance for you to attend a clean energy campaign event. If you are interested and able, please download a copy of our petition and start getting signatures today! At the bottom of the petition there are directions for sending the petition back to us.
Thank you tremendously for your support and happy Thanksgiving!
Alexandra Kramer
Maryland Beyond Coal Intern