IPCC Report Signals ‘Code Red’ on Climate Change

Humanity is toeing the point of no return on global warming.

Humanity is toeing the point of no return on global warming.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a new report this morning detailing not only the damage that global climate change has caused, primarily in the form of rising temperatures and ocean levels, but the worrying future that could await us in a mere decade’s time.

“It’s just guaranteed that it’s going to get worse,” said report co-author Linda Mearns, a senior climate scientist at the US National Center for Atmospheric Research. “Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.”

The report estimates that in roughly a decade, the average temperature of the Earth will rise well past a dangerous line that world leaders and climate advisors have been trying to avoid for years. Unless decisive action is taken immediately against carbon emissions, which are causing the vast majority of the warming, the future will likely hold worse heat waves, droughts, and flooding rain storms. At its worst, ocean levels could also experience a noticeable rise.

“If we combine forces now, we can avert climate catastrophe. But, as today’s report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses. I count on government leaders and all stakeholders to ensure COP26 is a success,” said UN Secretary General António Guterres, referring to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.