Global Warming Could Reach 3 Degrees by End of Century

Global Warming Could Reach 3 Degrees by Century's End IPCC Chair Jim Skea stated that if current policies continue, global warming could reach 3 degrees by the end of the century, and that priority in combating climate change should be addressing problems in the energy sector. The 60th session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the UN's scientific assessment body on climate change, is being held in Istanbul under Turkey's hosting. Within the scope of the program, IPCC Chair Prof. Dr. Jim Skea, present in Istanbul, answered questions about global efforts against climate change and the importance of the meeting. Skea noted that the IPCC frequently includes warnings in its reports that the world is increasingly warming and that extreme weather events will increase as a result. "But 2023 surprised everyone because it was far beyond expectations. We saw forest fires, extreme weather events and unprecedented temperature increases in the oceans. This was a situation well outside our projections. Some of these extreme weather events occurred due to increased global temperatures from human activities, some were caused by El Niño, and some resulted from natural year-to-year variations. Even accounting for all of these, it was still a highly unusual year," he said. Skea emphasized the importance of governments setting future targets, particularly net-zero emission goals, in combating climate change, but also expressed that all these efforts are insufficient in stopping global warming. Skea assessed the situation as follows: "If we stick with existing policies, we are on a path where global warming will likely reach 3 degrees by the end of this century." [caption id="attachment_159266" align="aligncenter"] IPCC Chair Jim Skea[/caption]

"People need the support of governments and stakeholders"

Skea, emphasizing that transformation in the energy sector is maximally necessary for reducing global emissions, continued his remarks as follows: "Considering that the energy sector is responsible for approximately 80 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, unless we solve the problem in this sector, we cannot adequately address the climate change problem. There are many opportunities here. Increasing renewable energy investments, targeting energy efficiency across all areas, and reducing methane emissions resulting from gas leaks in the industrial sector are among the critical steps to be taken." Pointing out that individuals can also take action against the climate crisis, Skea drew attention to the need to develop the necessary technologies and infrastructure. Stating that the transport sector can be cited as an example in reducing individual carbon emissions, Skea shared the following view: "If buses are not operating, people cannot switch to public transport. So there is much that people can do, but to make the right choices they need the support of governments and other stakeholders." Skea informed that there is still much to be done to achieve the 1.5 degree target set in the Paris Agreement, and that the IPCC will continue to fulfill its responsibility of providing the scientific evidence needed to combat climate change.

Evaluating the meeting held in Istanbul, Skea said the following:

"This is one of the most important sessions in the IPCC cycle and we are pleased that the Turkish Government is hosting this meeting. This session, where we are setting the direction of the IPCC's 7th Assessment Cycle, is truly very important. We aim to decide which reports we will produce within the cycle, on which subjects and when we will create these reports. When we leave the meeting on Friday, we need to have clarified what scientists will be trying to accomplish over the next 5 to 7 years." Source