IPCC AR6 synthesis report: A climate change survival guide to act on

Source: The post is based on the article “A climate change survival guide to act on” published in The Hindu on 24th March 2023.

Syllabus: GS – 3: Environment and Bio-diversity Conservation.

Relevance: About IPCC AR6 synthesis report.

News: Recently, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Cycle.

What is a Synthesis Report?

About the key findings and suggestions of the IPCC AR6 synthesis report

World on the threshold of carbon budget: The IPCC report points out that humanity had already consumed 4/5ths of its total carbon budget for 1.5° C by 2019, with developed economies consuming the lion’s share.

Some losses and damages of climate change are inevitable: The report finds that some coastal and polar ecosystems have already reached hard limits in their ability to adapt to a changing climate.

Cautions against maladaptation: The report cautions against certain forms of adaptation such as poorly planned seawalls which can defer and intensify the impacts of climate for short-term and often iniquitous adaptation gains.

Co-­benefits of climate action for air quality: A cost ­benefit analysis suggests that the air quality and health benefits of mitigation outweigh its costs.

Evidence of progress: The report finds some tangible evidence of progress in the proliferation of laws and policies, and confirms the effectiveness of existing policy tools such as regulations and carbon markets.

What are the concerns highlighted by the IPCC AR6 synthesis report?

a) There are gaps between modelled sustainable pathways and countries’ climate pledges, b) Delayed action from countries risks the creation of high carbon infrastructure in this decade, and creating stranded assets and financial instability in the medium term, c) Despite sufficient global capital, both adaptation and mitigation financing need to increase many­fold.

The IPCC AR6 synthesis report is a landmark report because it offers a blueprint for sustainable development. t is now up to governments and the people of the world to act.