WARRINGTON Borough Council is urging everyone in the town to take action amidst the “widespread, rapid and intensifying” effects of the climate emergency on the globe, according to the latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The IPCC report published yesterday, Monday 9 August, is the first in a series of major reports that will be published over the coming months and details how climate change is affecting “every region on Earth, in multiple ways”.
The report explains that in the coming decades, the effects of the climate emergency will only increase, with a prediction that within the next 20 years, global temperatures are expected to reach or indeed exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius threshold.
The report also details that climate change is responsible for more intense rainfall, flooding and droughts. Coastal areas are expected to see continued sea level rises throughout the 21st century, which will bring more frequent and severe coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Seasonal snow cover in some regions is expected to be lost, with further warming amplifying permafrost thawing, and changes to the ocean brought about by the climate emergency will have profound impacts on marine ecosystems.
The effects of the climate emergency are also expected to impact towns and cities across the globe, including heat and temperature changes, flooding from heavy rains and sea level rises in coastal communities.
The sobering report concludes that human influence and activity is having an “undisputed” impact on the climate system.
Cllr Hitesh Patel, cabinet member for environment, including the climate emergency, said: “There is no other interpretation we can make of this report, other than to acknowledge that the current level of human activity is bad news for our planet.
“The climate emergency is something that nobody will be immune from – it’s not just about polar bears and ice caps. We have seen locally the effects of climate change over recent years, including increased flooding and heavy downpours associated with extreme weather events. We only need to look at countries like Greece at the moment, who are dealing with significant wildfires, to know that the effects of the climate emergency are already having a profound impact.
“We can remain hopeful that if we shift our behaviours and become aware of the impact we are having on the planet, we still have the potential to determine the severity of the climate emergency on our communities – but that window of opportunity is rapidly closing.
“We need everyone to come together to play their part. It’s essential that nations come together and make binding commitments with COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference, on the horizon in the Autumn.
“But we also need local communities to take action. We have a really strong story to tell in Warrington, with recent investments in solar farms, electric vehicle infrastructure and making improvements to active and public transport. We need to continue this work so that we can meet our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030, and we need to take you – our businesses, community organisations, residents and families – with us on this journey.”
Chair of Warrington’s Climate Emergency Commission, Cllr David Ellis, said: “This report needs to be the turning point, otherwise we risk further, irrevocable and catastrophic damage to our planet.
“The climate emergency is now well and truly at the forefront of public debate and conversation – and there can be no more denying the effects that the climate emergency is having on communities around the world – with the effects only set to worsen unless we act immediately.
“There are already many community groups, businesses and organisations in Warrington enacting their own plans to become more carbon conscious. We need all of our organisations and residents in Warrington and beyond to do the same – every act and gesture to be more planet-friendly will go a long way if we collectively and continuously reflect on the impact we are having and make choices and changes to be more sustainable in the way we live our lives.”
What can you do?
The council has recently published a set of Climate Emergency pages on its website, which are packed full of hints, tips and resources to support people on their journey to understanding the climate emergency and doing their bit. This includes:
·Information about the council’s climate emergency plans and targets
·Simple steps to help you reduce your own carbon footprint
·Summaries of how the council is aiming to meet its own carbon neutrality commitment by 2030
·A “Commitment To Act” – encouraging residents, businesses and groups to make their own pledges and commitments to help inspire others
For more information, visit warrington.gov.uk/climate-emergency
