New IPCC Climate Impacts Report Reinforces Need for Urgent Action

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a new report on climate impacts, adaptation and vulnerability on Monday. This is the second installment of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, coming on the heels of last summer's report on the physical science of climate change. A third installment on climate mitigation and solutions is expected in April 2022.

With 2021 being one of the hottest years on record, and extreme weather events increasing in frequency around the world, from dangerous winter storms to devastating hurricanes, floods and wildfires, the new report comes at an important moment. It warns that "(a)ny further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all." The report details how climate change is exacerbating other global threats like public health, access to clean water and food insecurity, putting lives and livelihoods at risk.

In response, PIRG Environment Campaigns Director Matt Casale issued the following statement:

"This report rings the warning bells loud and clear. We're seeing the impacts of global warming right now, and they're already taking a human toll. And at the current rate of warming, these serious problems will only get worse. Now is the time to act. The solutions are at our fingertips. We have to end our reliance on fossil fuels and transition to clean renewable energy, electrified transportation systems and carbon-free buildings. If we do that, we can still rapidly reduce emissions and reach the goals we must meet. And by doing so, we will not only avoid the worst impacts of climate change, but we will also build a better future for our kids and grandkids with cleaner air, cleaner water and healthier communities."

Environment America's Destination: Zero Carbon Campaign Director Morgan Folger said:

"The impacts of global warming are varied and will spare no part of the globe. If we're going to avoid the worst impacts described in the new report in the United States, we must make real progress on the nation's largest source of greenhouse gas emissions -- transportation. Zero emission cars, trucks, buses and trains all have the potential to slow global warming and ensure our lungs are healthier. With billions of new dollars from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for electric vehicle charging stations and electric buses, states across the country should double down on electric transportation, zero out carbon emissions and help preserve a safe and healthy future for all Americans."