The second part of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report finds that
Human-induced climate change is causing dangerous and widespread disruption in nature and affecting the lives of billions of people around the world, despite efforts to reduce the risks.
Matt McGrath reports on major takeaways:
Things are way worse than we thought
Technology is not a silver bullet
The small window is closing fast
Whatever it is about our flawed "intelligence" that makes us as individuals resistant to change, plays out disastrously in terms of civilization.
Update (March 2): Eric Schank reflects on AR6.
Building on the previous findings, the report indicates radical action is now necessary to curb climate change after 30 years of insufficient governmental responses to the global threat since the UN first assembled the IPCC to assess the risks of human-induced climate change. Their message was clear then, and it is only more urgent now. Climate action is a matter of survival for millions of people.
Michael Mann is among those who continue to point out that action is still possible and that having agency is a way to counteract despair. It can be important to make the effort even if you still know it's a tough road ahead.
Update (March 4): Jason Hickel notes a vivid illustration of climate responsibility versus climate vulnerability.
Update (April 5): While there have been positive trends in the past ten years or so, the third part of AR6 is clear that massive emmissions reductions are still needed to reach climate goals. IPCC panel co-chair Jim Skea:
It’s now or never, if we want to limit global warming to 1.5°C. Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible.
Update (April 8): A chart compares effectiveness and cost of several mitigation options.
