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Act now for the ecosystem!

 
Act now for the ecosystem!

The bed of a dam dries up in Graaff-Reinet, South Africa, November 14, 2019. (Photo: Reuters)   

NDO – In its recently released report, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) continued to warn of global threats, including the collapse of ecosystems. Once again, alarm bells have been sounded about the serious consequences when people do not drastically cut greenhouse gas emissions.


Nearly 200 countries agreed to the report, which detailed the growing impacts of global warming. The report showed specifically measured consequences for species extinctions, ecosystem collapse, deadly heatwaves, water shortages and reduced crop yields.

In 2021 alone, the world witnessed a series of floods, unusual heat and severe and unprecedented wildfires across continents. The adverse effects are expected to be complicated in the coming decades, even as the world tries to reduce the global warming momentum.

Up to 14% of terrestrial species face a “very high” risk of extinction, with a global temperature increase of 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial times. This figure can increase to 18% and 29%, with the scenario of increases of 2°C and 3°C respectively.

Climate change has been contributing to humanitarian crises and accelerating displacement, in every region of the world. More than one billion people in coastal areas are at risk of flooding by mid-century, the IPCC warned.

Cities and coastal settlements will face a major challenge to protect human lives and property, from the threat of rising tides and extreme weather events. As a result, nearly 50% of the world’s population; between 3.3 billion and 3.6 billion people, are highly vulnerable to climate change.

The effects of deadly heat waves, droughts, and hurricanes, are exacerbated by the uncontrolled use of land and oceans. Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems has been confirmed as the foundation for sustainable development, adapting to climate change. The United Nations called for a joint effort to conserve 30%-50% of the world's land and oceans.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has recommended urgent action and local funding, especially for the most vulnerable, to combat the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated that governments can act decisively and drastically, in the face of global threats.

Scientists say that the impacts and risks of climate change exacerbate vulnerabilities, as well as social and economic inequalities. This increases the challenge, especially in developing regions, coastal regions, islets, deserts, mountains and polar regions.

Maarten van Aalst, lead author of the report, said the document was a wake-up call and that the risks we feared were coming much faster. However, it is not too late and the world can still reduce emissions to avoid the worst.

The Paris Agreement on climate change called for limiting the rise of the Earth’s temperature, to 2°C and ideally below 1.5°C. The IPCC report published in August 2021, said that the temperature increase of the Earth will definitely exceed the threshold of 1.5°C. Act now before it's too late!


HA ANH
Translated by NDO

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