Sad Day for Science: US and Others Block Adoption of IPCC Report at COP

Emily Ferguson

As we rise early on this Monday morning and prepare for the next and final week of the climate conference, we are going in with mixed feelings about the conference so far.

While there have been so many amazing speakers, workshops and accomplishments, the news coming out of the negotiations is not as optimistic. We learned that the US, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia have blocked the ‘welcoming’ of the IPCC report and instead want it officially ‘noted’. While this may seem like it is a minor difference, this wording may have serious implications for the adoption of the reports key findings.

Commissioned by the UNFCCC and compiled by leading climate scientists, the IPCC report published this October warned the world of a closing window of time — 12 Years to be exact — for the world to act to prevent warming above 1.5 degrees. Actions called for to prevent warming include reducing carbon emissions by 45% by 2030. Further, the report clearly indicates that we are on track for. 3+ degrees of warming and described consequences such as droughts, floods and more extreme storms.

As we go into this last week of negotiations, we are acutely aware of what this block could mean for all of us. A ministers arrive this week, we hope that negotiations will shift to acknowledging the urgent action needed. Today is ‘Just Transition’ day and we will be on the ground asking delegates how they will work to secure a safe and just transition for all.