The IPCC’s Mitigation of Climate Change report is out now. It is an updated global assessment of climate change mitigation processes & pledges. We have summarised the main points from the report in 500 words (the full report in 3675 pages, so we are saving you some time!).

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There is hope, but we must act now.

There is clear evidence that we can halve emissions by 2030 if we take the actions needed.

2010–2019 saw the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions ever; however, we are now seeing a decline in the growth. This isn’t to say that what we are doing is enough; as a matter of fact, we must engage in deep emission reductions across all sectors otherwise, we won’t reach the 1.5C mark.

The costs of solar, wind energy & batteries have decreased by up to 85%. Energy efficiency has hit the mainstream majorly, and we are now seeing more policies & laws being put in place to help reduce deforestation & instead of a push for renewable energy.

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Time for all sectors to rise up and play their part

It is time to say goodbye to fossil fuels! The energy sector is accountable for a quarter of global emissions and has to undergo serious transitions to completely move away from its reliance on fossil fuel use. This gives room to explore electrification, improved energy efficiency and other alternatives like hydrogen.

Cities and urban areas can also reduce their emissions through things like lowering their energy consumption, the electrification of all transport & an enhancement of carbon uptake & storage using nature.

The adaptation of a circular model is extremely important. In order to reduce emissions, they must use material more efficiently, reuse or recycle products and minismise waste. There are currently pilots running to test low to zero GHG production processes for basic materials like steel.

The removal and storage of carbon can provide large scale emissions reductions in agriculture, forestry and other land use. These response options can benefit biodiversity, secure livelihoods, clean water, food and other natural living supplies.

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The next couple of years are crucial

In order to limit global warming to 1.5c we must peak before 2025 and reduce by 43% by 2030. This also includes seeing a reduction of methane by a third. To be clear, global temperatures will stabilise when co2 emissions reach net zero.

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We must strive to reach the sustainable development goals

Climate action is important! The key word being ‘action’. Some response options could be the absorption and storage of carbon whilst also supporting local communities in fighting the impact. This can be seen in the introduction of parks, open spaces, wetlands and urban agriculture to help reduce flood risks and heat island effects.

Mitigation can help with the reduction of environmental impacts and in turn increase employment rates & business opportunities. Electrifications with renewables within the public transport sector can enhance health, employment and equity.

The report is calling for each and every industry to look at what they can do right now. This isn't a matter for delay, it is important that we undo bad practices and redefine our culture. The world has spent so long living unsustainably and we are seeing the impacts now. In order to save our planet and all that dwell within it we must strive to live in a fairer & more sustainable world.

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*IPCC Mitigation of Climate Change Report