Alarming UN climate report highlights the risk and opportunity for Australia
WWF-Australia
Key Facts:* Report confirms the last 11 years were the hottest on record.
* Earth’s climate more out of balance than at any time in observed history.
* Findings reinforce the responsibility facing countries like Australia.
An alarming new climate report from the UN’s weather agency reinforces the responsibility and opportunity facing countries like Australia, said WWF International President Dr Adil Najam.
The World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate report, published today, found the Earth’s climate is more out of balance than at any time in observed history.
The report confirms the last 11 years were the hottest on record as greenhouse gas concentrations drive continued warming of the atmosphere.
The ocean continues to warm and absorb carbon dioxide. It has been absorbing the equivalent of about eighteen times the annual human energy use each year for the past two decades, according to the report.
These rapid changes will have harmful repercussions for hundreds – and potentially thousands – of years.
Dr Najam, who is visiting Australia this week, said the report reinforces the need for urgent action and the responsibility and opportunity facing key global actors like Australia.
“The WMO’s science is clear: the climate system is under increasing strain and the window for effective action is narrowing. But it also reminds us that the decisions taken now can still make a meaningful difference,” said Dr Najam.
“Climate change is not only an environmental concern. It is a crisis that affects economies, security and human wellbeing worldwide. Communities across every region are already experiencing the impacts, which is why timely, coordinated action matters.
“Countries, like Australia, with advanced economies and significant renewable energy resources have a particularly influential role to play. Their choices will matter well beyond their borders.
“The question we are facing today is not whether change is needed, but how decisively and responsibly we choose to act.”
Dr Najam’s visit to Australia coincides with the 20th anniversary of Earth Hour, the world's largest grassroots movement to protect the planet.
People from over 180 countries and territories will take part in Earth Hour’s signature “switch off” moment at 8.30pm on 28 March, turning off their lights in support of stronger action on climate change and biodiversity loss.
Contact details:
Paul Fahy, 0455 528 161, [email protected]