IPCC, Brussels 2007
Closing Statement
Ignorance isn’t an option following latest global climate reportThe latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents a devastating outlook for the world's environment and economy, unless action is taken to stop climate change.
Update Day 3 Wednesday April 4th 2007
THE LATESTThe science is clear, climate change is threatening our livelihoods and destroying the future of many species. Governments should stop questioning the facts and watering down the science. They must act now and reduce emissions to rescue us from the worst effects of climate change, such as floods, droughts, storms and heat waves.
THE QUOTE
"People are entitled to the unvarnished truth about global warming. Dumbing down climate science for political purposes is irresponsible - the earth is warming, damaging impacts are happening," says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme. "Governments should not prevent scientists from putting out a strong, clear and honest report.”
Update Day 2 Tuesday April 3rd 2007
THE LATESTFrom polar bears to coral reefs the natural world is facing up to mass extinctions unless governments are prepared to act now and make meaningful cuts in CO2 emissions. Just a 2°C hike in global temperature will lead to a serious change in the world we live in, while anything above 2°C could result in a major collapse of the natural environment. This latest IPCC report may show that it’s already too late to prevent some of global warming's impacts the natural world can only adapt to so much, warns WWF.
THE QUOTE
“I hope that this latest report from the IPCC, that shows the enormity of the impacts of global warming on nature and our own lives, wakes governments up,” says Hans Verolme, Director of the WWF Climate Change Programme. “We could be responsible for the next mass extinction of species if they do not act to stop carbon pollution now.”
Update Day 1 Monday April 2nd 2007
THE LATESTImpacts of climate change are undeniable. The IPCC working group meeting is likely to confirm a multitude of impacts, including on farming, fisheries, health, and urban and landscape planning. It will also discuss the need to and the limitations of adapting to the effects of climate change.
THE QUOTE
"Governments need to protect communities and nature that are already feeling the heat, through drought, flood risk, or sea level rise," says Hans Verolme, Director of the WWF Climate Change Programme. "Adaptation is good practice, not rocket science - but it now starts to get prominent because people see how much money they will have to spend."
About the IPCC in Brussels
Media Contact
2007 is the year where political leaders have to turn hot air into cold, hard facts
Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme
Background
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was established by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 1988 to assess the scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change.
On Friday, February 2, the IPCC issued the first of 3 working group reports of its Fourth Assessment Report on the underlying science of climate change in Paris. It has been six years since the last assessment report and according to the IPCC’s Working Group I, humans are the primary cause of the build up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. These greenhouse gases are causing global climate change.
The report of Working Group II, to be released in Brussels on 6 April 2007, will assess impacts, adaptation and vulnerability of the Earth to climate change. It will look at consequences for the environment and nature, for agriculture, forestry and fisheries, health and disaster prevention.
Key Issues
Governments must embark on a serious global "climate and energy security plan". This would aim at dramatically improving energy-efficiency measures and renewable energy sources. “2007 is the year where political leaders have to turn hot air into cold, hard facts," says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme. “The world showed it could pull together to re-build after the tsunami. That is what we need leaders to do now, to steer the world away from climate change and energy insecurity towards a safe future with a stable climate.”
Governments need to urgently agree to deeper emissions cuts. WWF has called on the G8 Summit to endorse the start of formal negotiations towards deep emission cuts in Bali in December 2007. The EU recently took the first step and committed to reduce carbon pollution 30% by 2020 compared to 1990 if others do their fair share. "The G8 Summit has a unique opportunity to set the Bali agenda for deep emission cuts,” says Hans Verolme, Director of WWF's Global Climate Change Programme. “The G8 leaders have no excuse – they need to take this chance."
At the same time as stopping climate pollution, governments need to prepare for impacts of storms, drought, flood and sea level rise. “The devastating impacts of climate change are beginning to affect us today,” says Dr Lara Hansen, Chief Scientist of WWF’s Global Climate Change Programme. "Forests fires, coral bleaching, failed crops and species disappearing are all signs of worse things to come. While cutting emissions governments must address these impacts and protect people and nature.”
Media Events/Activities:
- Daily Media Statement
09:00 Monday 2 April through Wednesday 4 April - International Press Release
Natural Wonders Feel the Heat - embargo 1130 CET Thursday 5 April, - Press Briefing
Natural Wonders Feel the Heat 10:30-11:30 CET Thursday 5 April at the Residence Palace (in front of Charlemagne building), with WWF’s Chief Climate Change Scientist, Dr Lara Hansen. - Closing Statement
Friday 6 April. WWF spokespeople available.
Materials for the Media:
- For broadcast-standard video, please visit the NewsMarket
Spokespeople:
- Dr Lara Hansen, Chief Scientist, WWF’s Global Climate Change Programme.
- Hans Verolme, Director, WWF Climate Change Programme.
