Response to the IPCC Report on Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
28 Februrary 2022
At least 3.3 billion people today are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. This terrifying figure must spur transformational action in this decade to protect the vulnerable and preserve the planet for future generations. Resources are vitally needed to allow countries to adapt, reduce their emissions, and address loss and damage. The scale of climate finance must respond to the stark realities identified in this report. Above all, we must prevent this crisis from worsening by drastically cutting emissions in this decade, with leadership by the G20. We can leave no stone unturned in the effort to reduce emissions, and high polluting sectors like shipping and aviation must be transformed at a historic rate in order to secure our future.
Quotes from HAC members:
“The consequence of inaction will be catastrophic. You cannot read this report and believe anything otherwise. With an estimated 3.3 billion people, at least, highly vulnerable to climate change, nothing less than the most extreme measures to cut emissions and adapt to this crisis can be justified.” Minister Simon Stiell, Grenada
“This report makes it clear. From now on all we can do in reducing global warming will be critical. And all we fail to do will be extremely costly. In addition, the window for action is rapidly closing. This IPCC report is a severe reminder of why we must both drastically reduce emissions and intensify our efforts on adaptation. This is science telling us that climate change will affect us all.” Minister Espen Barth Eide, Norway
“The science could not be more clear. Failing to adapt to this crisis will cost lives. Failing to provide fair, accessible climate finance will cost lives. Continued dependence on fossil fuels will cost lives. With the consequences of inaction spelled out so clearly, yet again, a failure to act is inhuman and unconscionable.” Climate Envoy Tina Stege, Republic of the Marshall Islands
“The science is clear: we are already witnessing irreversible consequences of climate change. Our thinking, behavior and systems need to rapidly change so that climate change adaptation becomes an integral part of all decision-making domestically and globally. The longer we delay effective mitigation and adaptation action, the higher price we pay in terms of human, biodiversity and economic losses.” Minister Emma Kari, Finland
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Contact: hac@highambitioncoalition.org