The latest report by the International Panel on Climate Change – in effect the scientific advisory body on the environment to the United Nations – contains more gloomy forecasts of environmental woe unless mankind effectively cuts C02 emissions by the end of the century.
IPCC chairman R. K. Pachauri said: “The scientific case for prioritising action on climate change is clearer than ever.
“We have little time before the window of opportunity to stay within 2ºC of warming closes. To keep a good chance of staying below 2ºC, and at manageable costs, our emissions should drop by 40 to 70% globally between 2010 and 2050, falling to zero or below by 2100.
“We have that opportunity, and the choice is in our hands.”
The latest report – known as the Fifth Assessment – has been warmly welcomed by the Scot-Government. Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse commented: “Climate change is happening now and greenhouse gas emissions from mankind are extremely likely to be the dominant cause.
“In just over 12 months, it is essential that a new global climate treaty is agreed in Paris, given this is crucial to limiting the average global temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius.
“The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part by working with our partners, as we have done since the 2009 Climate Change Scotland Act, to deliver on Scotland’s ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets”.
Pixie Energy is an incubator and a facilitator of strategic research and project work, focusing on energy regulation, policy and markets at the local and national level. Find out more about Pixie Energy