U.N. Report Calls for Immediate, Sweeping Climate Action

"We are rapidly running out of time to avert the most catastrophic consequences of climate change,” said Daniel Bresette, executive director of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), in response to a U.N. report released today about climate mitigation.  “But with an all-in approach that starts with the rapid deployment of available technologies, it is still possible to limit warming to 1.5°C.”

"A key message from the report is that fighting climate change is an opportunity," emphasized Bresette. "An opportunity to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. An opportunity to create good-paying jobs. An opportunity to improve public health. An opportunity to address the disproportionate harms of climate change impacts on disadvantaged communities. To chart this new path, we need a cohesive, coordinated set of policies that are complex and interconnected. This requires Congress to act to deliver these policies here in the United States and provide adequate, equitable financing and financial support for other countries.”

The report, which examines multiple pathways at the international, national, and subnational levels to meet the long-term climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, represents the Working Group III contribution to the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. A synthesis report bringing together the contributions from all three Working Groups will be released later this year. The IPCC produces an assessment report every five to seven years bringing together inputs from hundreds of the world's leading climate researchers. This latest Assessment Report will be used by the world's governments to negotiate emission reduction targets and adaptation measures during U.N. climate talks. An earlier report on climate impacts, adaptation and vulnerability, released in February, was unequivocal in its findings: climate change presents a grave threat to all living things on this planet.

IPCC Reports

• Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change—Summary for Policymakers (April 2022).
• Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability—Summary for Policymakers (Feb. 2022).
• Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis—Summary for Policymakers (Aug. 2021).

EESI Resources:

• Fact Sheet: Climate Jobs (2021)
• Fact Sheet: Proposals to Reduce Fossil Fuel Subsidies (2021)
• Creating Policies, Coalitions, and Actions for Global Sustainable Development (Briefing, October 2021)
• Ambition and Opportunity in America’s New Climate Commitments (Briefing, May 2021)
• Financing Inclusive Clean Energy Investments in Rural America (Briefing, February 2022)