Thread by @KA_Nicholas

Live-tweeting from #IPCC #ClimateReport launch now. @antonioguterres calls it "An atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment. Nearly half of humanity are living in the danger zone, many ecosystems are at the point of new return, NOW. The global energy mix is broken." 1/n

"#FossilFuels are a dead end" for planet, economy. Adaptation investments work, should be 50% of climate finance. "Delay means death, now is the time to turn rage into action" says @antonioguterres.
From #IPCC #ClimateReport press conference here
2/n.

"We are on course to reach 1.5°C w/i next 2 decades. Temps will continue to rise unless world takes much bolder action. Severe #climatechange impacts are already happening. Adaptation can be effective but there are limits for us and other spp" #IPCC chair Lee. #ClimateReport 3/n

New #IPCC report identifies 127 risks across health, agriculture, infrastructure, ecosystems. "Our atmosphere today is on steroids, doped with #fossilFuels" says Petteri Taalas @WMO. Need weather monitoring, early warning in Africa and island states.
#ClimateReport 4/n

"#IPCC report comes at a time of great turmoil when we need multilateralism". #ClimateChagne already upon us, "raining down blows". Species migrating, deaths from floods/droughts/storms 15x higher in hotspots. This is climate injustice, says @andersen_inger.
#ClimateReport 5/n

"This is an emergency, headed for a disaster." Efforts to adapt have been too weak for too long. Best way to slow and adapt to #climateChange is let nature do its job- maintaining biodiversity, large-scale ecosystem restoration, says @andersen_inger.
#ClimateReport 6/n

"Humanity has spent centuries treating nature like our worst enemy. The truth is, nature can be our saviour, but only if we save it first" says @andersen_inger.
#IPCC #ClimateReport 7/n

"Any further delay in concerted global #ClimateAction will miss the brief, rapidly closing window to secure a liveable world." The conclusion of 270 authors from 67 countries, the scientists behind #IPCC #ClimateReport shows Debra Roberts. 8/n

Global warming has caused dangerous and widespread disruptions, affecting billions of people, especially in cities, with compounded risks from simultaneous extreme events. #IPCC #ClimateReport Debra Roberts 9/n

We can no longer think in silos. Up to 3.6 BILLION people live in vulnerability hotspots (water, sanitation, health limits; weak governance). #IPCC #ClimateReport Debra Roberts 10/n

If we even temporarily exceed 1.5°C warming, we will see much greater species loss and extinction. Every small amount of warming leads to greater risks for people and nature #IPCC #ClimateReport 10/n

Current climate adaptation is insufficient. Gaps between need/action are growing; largest for the most vulnerable. Adaptation works best (in some cases only) under limited warming. Nature can help adapt, e.g., agroforestry, diversification, pest control. #IPCC #ClimateReport 11/n

To protect cities where 2/3 global pop will soon live, #IPCC #ClimateReport envisions combining nature (green and blue spaces, ecosystem conservation) + engineering (smart planning). Need good governance (accountability, transparency)
12/n

"We have evidence of maladaptation" says Debra Roberts: adaptation that increases GHG emissions or risks. "Adaptation cannot prevent all losses and damages; limits will be reached with higher levels of warming above 1.5°C." Climate finance insufficient. #IPCC #ClimateReport 13/n

"Urgent action required to adapt to #climatechange. But not enough. At the same time, essential to reduce emissions." Political commitment + follow-through at all levels of government. Include guidelines for how to adapt locally, prioritize justice #IPCC #ClimateReport 14/n

Nature-based solutions (eg green infrastructure) help achieve multiple #SDGs.
Climate-resilient development:
Reduce climate risk from adaptation
Reduce emissions from mitigation
increased biodiversity (conserve 30-50%) + met SDGs
Include everyone
#IPCC #ClimateReport 15/n

"Every action can take us towards or away from a climate-resilient world. Prospects limited above 1.5°C, may not be possible (eg deserts, small islands, arctic) above 2°C. This report contains solutions. It's over to you now." Lead scientists of #IPCC #ClimateReport 16/n

Press Qs:
"Can you address sense of gloom if major emissions cuts aren't made? What about climate migration, conflict?"
Not gloom but reality check, we can be agents for change, focus where it matters. Shows hope a sustainable world can be achieved. #IPCC #ClimateReport 17/n

Much can be done to reduce vulnerability. Africa can use rich natural heritage to deal with climate impacts, tackle climate challenges, says Debra Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 18/n

"How do we drive #ClimateAction needed?"
Sadly climate impacts mobilise action. Continue trend from SR15, if climate system brought out of balance from last 8,000 years where human civilisation built. Bring close to thinking of policymakers, society.
#IPCC #ClimateReport 19/n

As science becomes clearer and relates more to people's lives, people react and science can help mobilise the action needed, says Debra Roberts. "Decisions this decade are important for sustainability of life on this planet"
#IPCC #ClimateReport 20/n

We face more warming in the coming decades even if the world successfully slashes emissions. "We have partly already lost the battle [of avoiding dangerous impacts], we have to mitigate climate-related risks" says Petteri Taalas @WMO. #IPCC #ClimateReport 21/n

Every bit of warming matters. Overshoot (of 1.5°C) is not safe, leads to irreversible consequences incl lost habitat, local extinction, melting ice, risk of entire species losses, says Hans-Otto Pörtner. "This excludes overshoot as a valid strategy." #IPCC #ClimateReport 22/n

Need to link climate response to strong development response, to align infrastructure, financial resources, social safety nets to meet human needs and protect the vulnerable in a changing climate. Need to bring nature back to cities, Debra Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 22/n

About 1bn people in coastal cities are at risk from eg #sealevelrise, salination. Need coastal defence, should move from hard seawalls to nature-based protection, invest in informal settlements, says Debra Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 23/n

"How should policymakers react to #IPCC #ClimateReport and how can journalists help?"
Hans-Otto Pörtner says: push for ambitious side of #ParisAgreement, protect vulnerable people and places, scientists +media + policymaker collaboration.
24/n

Starting to lose habitat near equator, we see a "biodiversity valley" in the ocean where species moving out. Media needs to report on societal mobilisation; & we need climate education to face decades/centuries of existential climate challenge. Pörtner, #IPCC #ClimateReport 25/n

Individual can play a vital role through choices and actions they take in their lives. Many things individuals cannot change, that rely on governments at all levels to take concerted action. Private sector must come to table as well. Debra Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 26/n

"#ClimateAction is happening, but not fast enough, and it's uneven." Individuals, governments, private sector must each play their part to do the heavy lifting required says Debra Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 27/n

"How high can you build those seawalls?" Building hard seawalls takes away space for ecosystems like salt marsh, mangroves that protect the coast, says Pörtner. Protect ecosystems, take integrated approach to protect nature+ avoid maladaptation. #IPCC #ClimateReport 27/n

"The world we live in now will not be the world we live in 5, 10, 20 years from now." Need to monitor and evaluate climate adaptation; new social compact: most vulnerable groups need to be at the table, hear from grassroots to determine response. Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 29/n

"We're already experiencing acute food and water shortages in C/S Am, Africa, small island states. At 2°C key breadbaskets will not be able to grow as effectively" says Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 30/n

"What does WG2 tell us about how to build political will necessary to implement climate solutions?"
SR15 made clear political will is key. WG2 shows need for inclusive institution, participation in decision making, govt collaboration, finance.
Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 31/n

Ultimately political will flows from what we ourselves do in our lives, we must educate ourselves + make our priorities known to political leadership to take the bold and rapid action required in this decade.
Roberts #IPCC #ClimateReport 32/n

Enhancing renewables increases energy independence and decreases support for fossil fuel producers. Mobilisation from young generation is the most important pillar for political shifts we've seen in countries including my own, says Pörtner #IPCC #ClimateReport 33/n

"What value does today's report add beyond what we already knew?"
It shows some impacts will be irreversible with overshoot of 1.5°C, even if we return below 1.5 by end of the century, says #IPCC #ClimateReport chair Lee. Links btwn human+ climate+ biodiversity key- Pörtner
34/n

"How can local & indigenous knowledge help?" There are many ways of knowing the world, says Roberts. Critical to help frame more relevant questions, more inclusive answers and response options. Local communities must be at the table for decisions. #IPCC #ClimateReport 35/n

Q: "Why did #IPCC #ClimateReport use 'losses and damages' (plural)"? Pörtner says it's more "policy-neutral" than #lossanddamage, which highlights Global South/North conflicts. Roberts says -es more comprehensive, incl non-economic impacts eg culture, language, livelihoods.
36/n

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