Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | News Video | Crime | Employers | Housing | Immigration | Legal | Local Govt. | Maori | Welfare | Unions | Youth | Search

 

100% possible to keep warming below 1.5°C

World’s top scientists confirm that it is 100% possible to keep warming below


WWF-New Zealand says that today’s new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report on the science of keeping average global warming below 1.5°C shows both the real challenges we face and the opportunities we have to unlock a safe climate future.

David Tong, WWF-New Zealand senior campaigner, said “This is a landmark global moment. The world’s top scientists have confirmed that it is still 100% possible to keep climate change below 1.5°C. Together, we can ensure a safe climate future remains possible.

“The difference between 1.5°C and 2°C is huge. For our Pacific neighbours, it’s an existential difference. Climate change is happening now. In Kiribati, I’ve seen homes flooded by salt water, wells that have become undrinkable – and incredible, vibrant people who are leading the transition to a clean energy future. They're not drowning, they're fighting.

“New Zealand has an opportunity now to show global leadership on climate change, to show our Pacific neighbours that we stand with them, and to unlock a safe climate future for all New Zealanders. As our government drafts the Zero Carbon Act, we urge them to make sure that it will deliver what our country and our planet need for a safe climate future.

“The report shows that short-lived gases like methane are incredibly important when it comes to keeping warming below 1.5°C. All sectors and industries need to work together to cut these emissions. That’s why we need the Zero Carbon Act’s 2050 target to be net zero across all sectors and for all gases.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, leader of WWF’s global climate and energy practice and former president of the UN climate negotiations, said “Governments asked for this report to be done. Now we expect them to heed the science and ensure a political commitment to strengthen their emission targets by 2020. We cannot afford to contemplate any alternative.”

David continued: "This is a challenge but New Zealanders have a history of doing incredible things in the face of big global challenges. By acting now, our businesses, communities and every single one of us can reap the benefits of being a first mover in the switch to a new clean energy economy."


This landmark report is one of the first deliverables from the Paris Agreement. It will be the evidence based for the next five years of global climate action.

• You can watch the IPCC’s launch of the report live here.

ends

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.