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| IPCC climate change report calls for urgent action to phase out fossil fuels - live | IPCC climate change report calls for urgent action to phase out fossil fuels - live |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| There is no shortage of political opposition to meaningful climate action [from US President Donald Trump to Brazil’s far-right populist Jair Bolsonaro]. And this morning Australia’s prime minister Scott Morrison has put himself firmly in that category. | |
| Speaking before the IPCC report was released he said there was no money for “global climate conferences and all that nonsense.” | |
| Here is the full story from my colleague Paul Karp. | |
| George Monbiot has written a powerful thread about the threat we face and what needs to be done. | George Monbiot has written a powerful thread about the threat we face and what needs to be done. |
| 1. Because the lobbying power of fossil fuel-based businesses outweighs that of any other faction. The fossil fuel industry uses its profits to lobby for continued extraction and use. Its tactics are highly sophisticated. | 1. Because the lobbying power of fossil fuel-based businesses outweighs that of any other faction. The fossil fuel industry uses its profits to lobby for continued extraction and use. Its tactics are highly sophisticated. |
| 3. This campaign of denial resonates with an innate resistance to change, reinforced by a tendency known as System Justification: a fundamental human weakness. | 3. This campaign of denial resonates with an innate resistance to change, reinforced by a tendency known as System Justification: a fundamental human weakness. |
| 5. Perpetual growth was impossible until coal was widely used: before then, industrial expansion led to agricultural depression, breaking the cycle of accumulation (see EA Wrigley, Energy and the English Industrial Revoliution). So we came to see progress = growth = fossil fuel | 5. Perpetual growth was impossible until coal was widely used: before then, industrial expansion led to agricultural depression, breaking the cycle of accumulation (see EA Wrigley, Energy and the English Industrial Revoliution). So we came to see progress = growth = fossil fuel |
| 7. This shift will not occur through buying different products or reducing the use of plastic bags, or any other form of voluntary consumer action, valid as these may be. It will occur only through political action. | 7. This shift will not occur through buying different products or reducing the use of plastic bags, or any other form of voluntary consumer action, valid as these may be. It will occur only through political action. |
| 8. What does this mean? Mobilisation on a massive scale, through groups such as https://t.co/iQUIxrOaMa, to put environmental breakdown at the front and centre of political life. We need to break through vested interests, denial and System Justification to force government action | 8. What does this mean? Mobilisation on a massive scale, through groups such as https://t.co/iQUIxrOaMa, to put environmental breakdown at the front and centre of political life. We need to break through vested interests, denial and System Justification to force government action |
| 10. We need to get embarassing about it, to overcome our own reticence, even when we are labelled Jeremiahs or Cassandras, and risk upsetting people in alerting them to what is happening and what we need to do. https://t.co/eqXaLi7JQY | 10. We need to get embarassing about it, to overcome our own reticence, even when we are labelled Jeremiahs or Cassandras, and risk upsetting people in alerting them to what is happening and what we need to do. https://t.co/eqXaLi7JQY |
| More from Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey on Labour’s commitment to tackling climate breakdown | More from Labour’s Rebecca Long-Bailey on Labour’s commitment to tackling climate breakdown |
| Because it is not lack of knowledge which is preventing action on #ClimateChange 2/ | Because it is not lack of knowledge which is preventing action on #ClimateChange 2/ |
| And it is not lack of technology that is preventing action on #ClimateChange 4/ | And it is not lack of technology that is preventing action on #ClimateChange 4/ |
| Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP and former leader said: | Caroline Lucas, Green Party MP and former leader said: |
| This report couldn’t be written in stronger terms: we are at a tipping point on the edge of complete climate breakdown, and governments around the world are failing to prevent it. | This report couldn’t be written in stronger terms: we are at a tipping point on the edge of complete climate breakdown, and governments around the world are failing to prevent it. |
| Our own government is pushing us towards that tipping point with carbon intensive and ecologically destructive projects like airport expansion, fracking and HS2 - while slashing support for renewables and continuing to subsidise fossil fuels. | Our own government is pushing us towards that tipping point with carbon intensive and ecologically destructive projects like airport expansion, fracking and HS2 - while slashing support for renewables and continuing to subsidise fossil fuels. |
| “Ministers have a choice: they can keep coating business-as-usual policies in a green veneer and watch as floods and heatwaves become the norm. Or they can embrace the opportunities to create a fairer, healthier, safer society that come with the economic overhaul we need. | “Ministers have a choice: they can keep coating business-as-usual policies in a green veneer and watch as floods and heatwaves become the norm. Or they can embrace the opportunities to create a fairer, healthier, safer society that come with the economic overhaul we need. |
| It is worth revisiting this piece from last week by my colleague George Monbiot who argues that unless we kick our addiction to economic growth we can not meet the challenge posed by the unfolding climate breakdown. | It is worth revisiting this piece from last week by my colleague George Monbiot who argues that unless we kick our addiction to economic growth we can not meet the challenge posed by the unfolding climate breakdown. |
| Given that economic growth, in nations that are already rich enough to meet the needs of all, requires an increase in pointless consumption, it is hard to see how it can ever be decoupled from the assault on the living planet. | Given that economic growth, in nations that are already rich enough to meet the needs of all, requires an increase in pointless consumption, it is hard to see how it can ever be decoupled from the assault on the living planet. |
| The Aldersgate Group, which represents some of the of the UK’s leading businesses, says the report sets out clear opportunities from a zero carbon economy. | The Aldersgate Group, which represents some of the of the UK’s leading businesses, says the report sets out clear opportunities from a zero carbon economy. |
| Nick Molho, executive director, said: | Nick Molho, executive director, said: |
| This report from the world’s leading climate scientists is clear that there are compelling environmental, economic and social benefits to limiting the increase in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees as envisaged in the Paris Agreement. Whilst achieving such a target will require challenging emission cuts across the economy, important progress has already been made and an increase in ambition would unlock a significant innovation and investment opportunity. | This report from the world’s leading climate scientists is clear that there are compelling environmental, economic and social benefits to limiting the increase in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees as envisaged in the Paris Agreement. Whilst achieving such a target will require challenging emission cuts across the economy, important progress has already been made and an increase in ambition would unlock a significant innovation and investment opportunity. |
| He added: | He added: |
| With strengths in areas such as offshore wind and electric vehicle manufacturing, energy efficient building design and green financial and legal services, UK businesses have a strong basis from which to accelerate emission cuts and be at the forefront of the development of the new clean technologies and services which the world economy will increasingly demand. | With strengths in areas such as offshore wind and electric vehicle manufacturing, energy efficient building design and green financial and legal services, UK businesses have a strong basis from which to accelerate emission cuts and be at the forefront of the development of the new clean technologies and services which the world economy will increasingly demand. |
| Major economies now need to increase their existing emissions reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement and adopt net zero emissions targets in line with the conclusions of the IPCC report. The Prime Minister made the right call when she announced at the UN General Assembly that the UK will be joining the Carbon Neutrality Coalition, especially as this follows growing public backing [2] and cross-party support for a net zero target. [3] | Major economies now need to increase their existing emissions reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement and adopt net zero emissions targets in line with the conclusions of the IPCC report. The Prime Minister made the right call when she announced at the UN General Assembly that the UK will be joining the Carbon Neutrality Coalition, especially as this follows growing public backing [2] and cross-party support for a net zero target. [3] |
| The government must now begin work towards legislating for such a target in the UK, by rapidly acting on its commitment to seek the Committee on Climate Change’s advice on how the UK can ensure its climate targets are aligned with the 1.5 degrees goal. Backed by detailed policies, such a target would accelerate investment in ultra-low emission goods, services and infrastructure and support the innovation needed to tackle emission cuts in more challenging sectors such as land management, agriculture, long-distance transport and heavy industry. | The government must now begin work towards legislating for such a target in the UK, by rapidly acting on its commitment to seek the Committee on Climate Change’s advice on how the UK can ensure its climate targets are aligned with the 1.5 degrees goal. Backed by detailed policies, such a target would accelerate investment in ultra-low emission goods, services and infrastructure and support the innovation needed to tackle emission cuts in more challenging sectors such as land management, agriculture, long-distance transport and heavy industry. |
| Claire Perry, minister for Energy has put out a brief statement. | Claire Perry, minister for Energy has put out a brief statement. |
| This report should act as a rallying cry for governments around the world to innovate, invest, and raise ambition to avert catastrophic climate change. The UK has already shown carbon abatement and prosperity can go hand in hand and we lead the world in clean growth- slashing emissions by more than 40 per cent since 1990 while growing our economy ahead of the G7. There is now no excuse and real action is needed. | This report should act as a rallying cry for governments around the world to innovate, invest, and raise ambition to avert catastrophic climate change. The UK has already shown carbon abatement and prosperity can go hand in hand and we lead the world in clean growth- slashing emissions by more than 40 per cent since 1990 while growing our economy ahead of the G7. There is now no excuse and real action is needed. |
| She added that in a “few days”, during the “first-ever Green GB Week” the government will “outline our next steps to confront this global crisis.” | She added that in a “few days”, during the “first-ever Green GB Week” the government will “outline our next steps to confront this global crisis.” |
| Jagoda Munić, director of Friends of the Earth Europe said the message from the report was stark and warned Europe was not doing enough. | Jagoda Munić, director of Friends of the Earth Europe said the message from the report was stark and warned Europe was not doing enough. |
| The fossil fuel age has to end... To have any chance of avoiding the chaos, droughts and rising tides of 1.5 degrees or more of global warming, we must massively and speedily transform our society to kick our fossil fuel addiction. | The fossil fuel age has to end... To have any chance of avoiding the chaos, droughts and rising tides of 1.5 degrees or more of global warming, we must massively and speedily transform our society to kick our fossil fuel addiction. |
| Munic said a “safer, fairer and cleaner fossil-free” Europe was possible, with many communities already showing the way from resisting dirty energy projects, to installing community owned renewable energy schemes. | Munic said a “safer, fairer and cleaner fossil-free” Europe was possible, with many communities already showing the way from resisting dirty energy projects, to installing community owned renewable energy schemes. |
| He said the EU is still planning to keep emitting carbon beyond 2050, and is currently only considering committing to ‘net zero emissions’ by 2050. | He said the EU is still planning to keep emitting carbon beyond 2050, and is currently only considering committing to ‘net zero emissions’ by 2050. |
| But he argued that as one of the regions most responsible for causing climate change, and most capable of responding, it needs to act at much greater speed and scale. | But he argued that as one of the regions most responsible for causing climate change, and most capable of responding, it needs to act at much greater speed and scale. |
| The EU must do its fair share, beginning with completely stopping funding for fossil fuels and switching to 100% renewables by 2030. Currently the EU is far off track. Going to ‘net zero’ by 2050 is simply too late for Europe to stop burning carbon – and still it does not represent zero fossil fuels. Europe needs a completely fossil-free energy system by 2030. | The EU must do its fair share, beginning with completely stopping funding for fossil fuels and switching to 100% renewables by 2030. Currently the EU is far off track. Going to ‘net zero’ by 2050 is simply too late for Europe to stop burning carbon – and still it does not represent zero fossil fuels. Europe needs a completely fossil-free energy system by 2030. |
| Friends of the Earth Europe is calling on the European Union to: | Friends of the Earth Europe is calling on the European Union to: |
| Urgently increase the EU’s climate ambition: increasing short term targets to 100% renewables by 2030, and a long-term vision in line with achieving 1.5 degrees; | Urgently increase the EU’s climate ambition: increasing short term targets to 100% renewables by 2030, and a long-term vision in line with achieving 1.5 degrees; |
| Completely phase out financing and building more fossil fuel infrastructure, including gas, which shackles Europe to decades more fossil fuel use - including a fossil-free EU budget; | Completely phase out financing and building more fossil fuel infrastructure, including gas, which shackles Europe to decades more fossil fuel use - including a fossil-free EU budget; |
| Urgently increase investment in community renewables and energy savings and transform to 100% renewables based on a democratically owned energy system. | Urgently increase investment in community renewables and energy savings and transform to 100% renewables based on a democratically owned energy system. |
| Karin Nansen, Chair of Friends of the Earth International said: | Karin Nansen, Chair of Friends of the Earth International said: |
| This is a climate emergency - for many around the world preventing climate catastrophe and temperature rises exceeding 1.5 degrees is a matter of life and death. Only radical system change offers a pathway towards hope and out of despair. We want a just transition to a clean energy system that benefits people, not corporations. | This is a climate emergency - for many around the world preventing climate catastrophe and temperature rises exceeding 1.5 degrees is a matter of life and death. Only radical system change offers a pathway towards hope and out of despair. We want a just transition to a clean energy system that benefits people, not corporations. |
| The Aldersgate Group, an alliance leading business groups committed to sustainable economy, has also welcomed the report. | The Aldersgate Group, an alliance leading business groups committed to sustainable economy, has also welcomed the report. |
| Here’s a selection of some of its prominent members have said: | Here’s a selection of some of its prominent members have said: |
| Steve Waygood, chief responsible investment officer, Aviva Investors: | Steve Waygood, chief responsible investment officer, Aviva Investors: |
| Keeping global temperature increases to 1.5C will help safeguard our investment portfolios and protect our customers savings. The long term negative financial consequences of climate change are far, far greater than the short term financial risks of transitioning to the Paris Agreement. Today’s report reiterates the need for policymakers to accelerate action to reduce carbon emissions and meet the agreed aims of the Paris Agreement.” | Keeping global temperature increases to 1.5C will help safeguard our investment portfolios and protect our customers savings. The long term negative financial consequences of climate change are far, far greater than the short term financial risks of transitioning to the Paris Agreement. Today’s report reiterates the need for policymakers to accelerate action to reduce carbon emissions and meet the agreed aims of the Paris Agreement.” |
| Gabrielle Ginér, head of environmental sustainability at BT: | Gabrielle Ginér, head of environmental sustainability at BT: |
| Our target is to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of our operations by 87% by 2030 against a 2016/17 baseline.” | Our target is to reduce the carbon emissions intensity of our operations by 87% by 2030 against a 2016/17 baseline.” |
| Pia Heidenmark Cook, chief sustainability officer at Ikea: | Pia Heidenmark Cook, chief sustainability officer at Ikea: |
| We will contribute by decarbonising our energy use including electricity and heating, using zero-emissions deliveries, moving to a circular business model and enabling millions of customers and co-workers to take climate action in their everyday lives. | We will contribute by decarbonising our energy use including electricity and heating, using zero-emissions deliveries, moving to a circular business model and enabling millions of customers and co-workers to take climate action in their everyday lives. |
| Benet Northcote, Director, Corporate Responsibility, John Lewis Partnership: | Benet Northcote, Director, Corporate Responsibility, John Lewis Partnership: |
| We have already cut our operational emission intensity by nearly 70% since 2010 and over the coming months we will be unveiling the next stage in our plans to reduce our environmental impact and emissions even further. Waitrose & Partners continues to lead in its commitment to truly sustainable agriculture, while John Lewis & Partners is pioneering circular economy solutions that will lessen humanity’s impact on the environment.” | We have already cut our operational emission intensity by nearly 70% since 2010 and over the coming months we will be unveiling the next stage in our plans to reduce our environmental impact and emissions even further. Waitrose & Partners continues to lead in its commitment to truly sustainable agriculture, while John Lewis & Partners is pioneering circular economy solutions that will lessen humanity’s impact on the environment.” |
| Mike Barry, director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer, said: | Mike Barry, director of sustainable business at Marks & Spencer, said: |
| We need to take bolder, faster action and shift our mind-set to one of embracing the inevitability and opportunity of the low carbon economy.” | We need to take bolder, faster action and shift our mind-set to one of embracing the inevitability and opportunity of the low carbon economy.” |
| More from the Labour Party on today’s IPCC report. | More from the Labour Party on today’s IPCC report. |
| Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s shadow Business Energy Industrial Strategy secretary, who seems to be fronting a lot of the party’s climate breakdown agenda, said the report is clear that avoiding dangerous climate change will require “a transformational effort.” | Rebecca Long Bailey, Labour’s shadow Business Energy Industrial Strategy secretary, who seems to be fronting a lot of the party’s climate breakdown agenda, said the report is clear that avoiding dangerous climate change will require “a transformational effort.” |
| That is precisely what Labour is offering - a plan to rapidly decarbonise our energy system as part of a green jobs revolution, and a long term target of net zero emissions before 2050. This would make the UK one of the few countries in the world on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. | That is precisely what Labour is offering - a plan to rapidly decarbonise our energy system as part of a green jobs revolution, and a long term target of net zero emissions before 2050. This would make the UK one of the few countries in the world on track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. |
| “The Tories are way off course to meeting our existing climate targets, and every day this government remains in power the window of opportunity to tackle the climate crisis shrinks. It is a cruel irony that today we were also expecting the first horizontal shale fracking in the UK - an industry the government has pushed at the expense of local communities, air quality and our climate. | “The Tories are way off course to meeting our existing climate targets, and every day this government remains in power the window of opportunity to tackle the climate crisis shrinks. It is a cruel irony that today we were also expecting the first horizontal shale fracking in the UK - an industry the government has pushed at the expense of local communities, air quality and our climate. |