Italian climate activists are calling
for bolder action at all levels after the latest report by the
UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said we've
reached the "now-or-never point" to stop a global environmental
catastrophe.
The UN scientists said that, in order to keep the rise in
temperatures from going above 1.5C, carbon emissions must peak
by 2025 and decline rapidly across all sectors after that,
reaching net-zero by the early 2050s.
The IPCC Working Group III report on the 'Mitigation of Climate
Change' said that this will require, among other things, major
transitions in the energy sector, involving a substantial
reduction in fossil fuel use, widespread electrification,
improved energy efficiency, and use of alternative fuels.
The scientists stressed that humanity has the tools and know-how
required to limit warming, citing policies and laws that have
enhanced energy efficiency, reduced rates of deforestation and
accelerated the deployment of renewable energy.
"The final part of the IPCC report is proof that there are
solutions that can help us mitigate the effects of climate
change," Asia Guerreschi, a circular-economy researcher and
activist for the Italian section of the Climate Reality Project,
told ANSA..
"As the IPCC scientists and experts explained during the press
conference, we need an understanding of the cross-sectional
nature of this issue for options that can help us tackle the
critical questions for a just and equitable transition where
everyone is part of the solution.
"As sadly the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, renewable energy
and net-zero solutions are urgently needed.
"Understanding which lifestyle changes are needed, such as
reducing meat consumption or air travel, is crucial too.
"What the IPCC is showing us is that effective options are
available and we are all involved in the solution".
The Working Group III report is the third instalment of the
IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report, which will be completed this
year.
It said that, even if all the policies governments had put in
place by the end of 2020 to cut carbon emissions were fully
implemented, the world will still warm by a devastating 3.2C
this century.
Stefano Ciafani, the president of environmental association
Legambiente, said the report showed that halving greenhouse
emissions in the next eight years is both "necessary and
feasible".
"In addition to implementing more ambitious climate policies in
line with the 1.5° target, Italy must envision truly courageous
measures that can no longer be delayed," Ciafani said.
"Measures such as stopping environmentally damaging subsidies to
get our country off its addiction to fossil fuels, starting with
Russian gas, accelerating the development of renewable sources
and authorizing (facilities for) 20 GW a year over the coming
years as Legambiente, Greenpeace Italia, WWF Italia and
Confindustria Elettricità Futura have called for".
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