UN report warns emergency-level action is needed on climate change and biodiversity loss

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX)
The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a sobering report yesterday showing that no corner of the earth is left untouched by the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss. The report warns that some of the impacts of climate change are already irreversible, but that the severity of the crisis will depend on our commitment to widespread, emergency-level action. 

The evidence in the report demonstrates that the impacts of climate change are accelerating and intensifying as humanity continues on the devastating path of driving of 1.5 C of warming between 2030 and 2052. 

The report echoes the physical reminders that our local communities have and are currently experiencing in the form of invasive species, declining fish populations, coastal erosion and devasting weather events. The evidence is indisputable: so far, we have failed to deliver the action needed to create a climate-safe future. 

“Atlantic Canada’s way of life is so closely tied to the ocean,” says Kelsey Lane, climate policy coordinator with the Ecology Action Centre. “The impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems could severely affect our livelihoods, food security, conservation efforts and folks living in our coastal communities.”  

Canada has currently committed to reducing our emissions by 40 to 45 per cent below 2005 levels, however, our ability to meet those targets will depend on action from our provinces.  

“Nova Scotia may have one of the strongest climate targets in the country, but so far, that's all it is,” says Lane. “Immediate action that sets climate budgets, increases accountability and focuses on transitioning our communities off of fossil fuels are needed to appropriately address the climate emergency that’s been knocking on our door for decades.” 

Up until today, humanity has failed to take appropriate action on climate change, but that doesn’t have to be the story of tomorrow. The IPCC report also states that there is an opportunity to reduce the severity of climate change and biodiversity loss. If we take the appropriate steps to accelerate climate mitigation efforts, protect biodiversity and support our communities, a livable future is possible. But if we are to achieve this future, we have to treat climate change and biodiversity loss like the emergencies that they are. 

-30-