U.N. Gives Final Warning on Climate Action

Earlier this week, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its final report in a series of scientific inquiries into the climate crisis that began in 2021. This report is a synthesis of previous analyses and had one clear message for planet Earth when it comes to the climate crisis: Act now or it will be too late.

Credit: AR6 Synthesis Report.

The goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 had been the scientific standard, but that timeline is no longer enough. With emissions continuing to rise every year, the U.N chief has urged richer nations to set 2040 targets for economy-wide net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This includes an intermediary goal of 66% reductions by 2035. Every year of inaction requires bolder and more radical societal change in the following years. These new findings mean states like Michigan – and corporate utilities like DTE and Consumers Energy – will need to step up the pace on climate action.

Credit: AR6 Synthesis Report.

Credit: AR6 Synthesis Report.

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are goals nations have outlined in international agreements to reduce emissions. Currently, all NDCs still put the world on track for dangerous levels of warming. Notably, the report has proven that mitigation measures that have taken place so far have made a difference in keeping large amounts of greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. It shows that we can make an impact, but we must move at “warp” speed if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

The report reaffirmed that all existing fossil fuel infrastructure overshoots safe levels of worldwide emissions and that no new fossil fuel infrastructure can be developed. The good news is that there are cheap ways to mitigate emissions across all sectors. Wind and solar energy are the cheapest methods, and incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, can help bring those resources online even faster in Michigan and across the country. 

The findings of reports like these can be overwhelming, and can induce feelings of hopelessness. However, if there is one message you should take away from these warnings, it is that we have the resources to address this crisis. In Michigan we have a unique opportunity to pass legislation to put us on track to a 100% clean energy economy. At the federal level the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is working on regulations to limit carbon pollution from power plants. Talk to your state lawmakers about the importance of climate action. You can also show your support for stronger regulations on pollution here if you’re an individual, and here if you’re representing an advocacy organization.