The report of working group III is the final wake-up call from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report definitively tells us that our efforts to reduce carbon emissions to date have been ineffective
WE NEED A GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION THAT IS FRAMED IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND EQUITY
The report of working group III is the final wake-up call from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The report definitively tells us that our efforts to reduce carbon emissions to date have been ineffective and greenhouse gas emissions were the highest in human history between 2000 and 2010. We are on a path to global mean surface temperature 3.7 to 4.8°C higher than pre‐industrial levels – this will affect everyone and the most vulnerable first and most.
Therefore, we must heed the science and take urgent action that requires global cooperation; every one of us has a responsibility to act. This IPCC report tells us that we can act and that we must act. It explains that is possible to reduce our dependency on fossil fuel consumption, transition to a low-carbon economy and that there are co-benefits in doing so. I argue that we must also ensure that the transition is fair; the actions taken must respect the right to development and not impact adversely on the most vulnerable.
A global framework for sustainable development that acknowledges the impacts of climate change and an international climate agreement that is fair and legally binding is required to keep our people and planet safe. It is critical that we choose policies and development pathways that are transformative, not revisionist.
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Media Coverage
IPCC WG3: Reaction as UN launches third climate report – RTCC.org
Mary Robinson was among a host of world leaders who were quoted in this article, giving reaction to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Climate change mitigation must benefit the poor, aid experts say – Reuters Alertnet
Mary Robinson included in reaction piece to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Carbon emissions ‘highest in human history’ – RTE Radio One
Mary Robinson spoke on Irish national radio station RTE Radio One after the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Mary Robinson tells world leaders they’ve 20 years to save the world – Irish Central
Reaction by Mary Robinson to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Robinson calls for climate agreement by 2015 – The Irish Times
Response by Mary Robinson to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
IPCC climate change report shows efforts to cut carbon emissions are falling far short – The Irish Times
Report on the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and reaction by Mary Robinson.
Events refocus minds on climate change and dificult decisions – The Irish Times
Analysis of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and reaction to it by Mary Robinson.
Robinson warns of final wake up call – Irish Independent
Report on the reaction by Mary Robinson to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Urgent call for plan on climate change – Irish Examiner
Report on the reaction by Mary Robinson to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Irish climate change policy.
Africa: Climate change mitigation must benefit the poor, aid experts say – AllAfrica.com
Mary Robinson included in reaction piece to the publication of the Fifth Assessment Report of Working Group 3 of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.