father and son holding sign that reads "make america think again"

What does that IPCC report mean anyway?

What is the IPCC? What does it mean when people talk about 1 degree vs. 2 degrees Celsius temperature rise? Why is any of that important? The IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) released their findings in their recent bombshell climate report. The report was a comprehensive look at the state of climate and temperature around the globe. Specifically, they looked at the adverse effects of a warming globe.

We think this article from the Climate Reality Project does a great job of summarizing key take aways. SOME global warming has already happened. Many of the effects of the 1 degree temperature gain we’ve created are already being seen (e.g. hurricanes, wild fires, flooding, drought, extreme weather.) If we want to limit further atmospheric disruption and the most devastating aspects of climate change (like permanent sea level rise,) we need to limit further global warming. What that means in practice is, we need to make sure our atmosphere doesn’t warm any more than 1.5 degrees C. If our global temperature rises 2 degrees C or more, the effects of climate change could be catastrophic.

Great. So now what?

Knowing what’s at stake and the immensity of the challenges ahead, what can we do about it? Organizations like the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) are tackling this challenge from a holistic perspective. Initiatives like their One Earth Climate Model could lead the way. The One Earth Climate Model is a “new high-ambition effort” that hopes to demonstrate “the feasibility of achieving the 1.5˚C target through 100% renewable energy by mid-century, combined with a portfolio of natural climate solutions (NCS), including marine and terrestrial conservation, reforestation, and carbon-negative agricultural practices.” They have created a road map with actionable steps that make sense. But none of it can happen without broad, global, support, and that support needs to come from the ground up. People the world over need to elect governments that will implement the changes we need to keep global warming at a lower intensity. And when those governments do not prioritize these actions – they need to be held accountable. We all need to do our part, as individuals, as citizens, and as inhabitants of planet Earth.

The key is we

This is it. This our chance to act and make all the difference. It’s going to require effort and stepping outside of our comfort zones, but in the end, it will all be worth it because as we know, there is no Planet B. We truly have #12yearstochange.

For more specific information on the implementation of the One Earth Climate Model, check out the LDF programs being used for implementation of these audacious goals.

Meredith LipscombMeredith, a former professional in the software industry, has come to the Mrs. Green’s World team through an unlikely journey that took her through the world of non-profit management and on to becoming a part of MGW. Helping people understand climate change and what we can do about it – is very near and dear to her heart. She lives in Tucson with her family and too many pets.