[Press Release]
COPENHAGEN — One month after unprecedented numbers of people took to the streets to demand climate action as part of the Peoples’ Climate Mobilisation, the world’s scientists have issued their clearest call yet for bold action to address the climate crisis.
May Boeve, Executive Director of 350.org, issued the following statement:
“The scientists have done their job, now it’s the politicians’ turn. World leaders have everything they need to act: clear scientific evidence, a strong economic case, and huge public support. The only thing they lack is the will.”
The report states, with a high degree of confidence, “Substantial reductions in
emissions would require large changes in investment patterns.” That conclusion will add momentum to the growing fossil fuel divestment campaign, according to Boeve:
“The report strengthens the case for fossil fuel divestment. It clearly states that the vast majority of coal, oil and gas must remain underground and that investments in the sector must fall by tens of billions of dollars a year. The fossil fuel industry’s business plan and a liveable planet are simply incompatible.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released today is a “synthesis report,” which summarizes findings released in working group reports over the past year. The report underscores three major facts about climate change: it’s man-made and already having dangerous impacts across all continents and the ocean; global warming can still be kept below the politically agreed limit of 2 degrees Celsius averting the most dangerous impacts if we act now; the choice of securing a safe climate future is not only possible but also economically viable.
Ferrial Adam, Regional Team Leader for 350Africa.org added:
“The scientific evidence once again confirms that Africa faces the worst impacts of climate change. It’s happening now. This fight is about climate justice as many of the poorest communities across the continent face devastating impacts from increases in drought, flooding and higher temperatures. The whole world needs keep fossil fuels in the ground and back solar and wind energy if we are to avoid catastrophic increases in global temperatures and that includes countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and DRC.”
ENDS
About 350Africa.org
350 is the red line for human beings, the most important number on the planet. The most recent science tells us that unless we can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, we will cause huge and irreversible damage to the earth. But solutions exist. All around the world, a movement is building to take on the climate crisis, to get humanity out of the danger zone and below 350. This movement is massive, it is diverse, and it is visionary. We are activists, scholars, and scientists. We are leaders in our businesses, our churches, our governments, and our schools. We are clean energy advocates, forward-thinking politicians, and fearless revolutionaries. And we are united around the world, driven to make our planet liveable for all who come after us.
For further information please contact the 350 Africa & Arab world Communications Team: Adi Mistry Frost adi@350.org or +27767699302