Climate report: Takeaways and to-dos

I didn’t want to write this column, but it just can’t be ignored anymore.

Monday the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a scientific body which analyzed more than 14,000 studies of the physical evidence, history, status and prognosis of climate change and its impacts, issued a sobering report.

As the most comprehensive summary to date of its kind, it shows how humans have and can affect the climate through actions we take — or don’t take — to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases.

The report’s five major takeaways are:

1. Human influence has unequivocally warmed the planet.

Unlike six previous reports, this one leaves no doubt about what’s responsible for Earth’s increasing temperature: Observed increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere since 1750 directly tied to human activity, burning coal, oil and other fossil fuels since industrialization with a faster pace over time.

2. Climate science is getting more precise.

One reason the findings are more certain now is improved research. Computer modeling and technology have greatly improved and there’s more data collected in more locations from instruments on land, in oceans and space. Research teams can more quickly analyze and communicate about extreme events (heat waves, large fires, heavy rains, etc.).

3. Bracing ourselves.

The report confirms we are locked into 30 years of worsening climate impacts no matter what the world does (but that doesn’t mean we can do nothing).

The world has already warmed about 1.1 degree Celsius (about 2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the 19th century. The carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases we’ve already put into the atmosphere ensures its continued rise at least three more decades, even if we all cooperate and immediately sharply cut emissions as recommended.

That means effects from droughts and fires to flooding and agriculture woes won’t let up. Ice sheets will keep melting and sea levels rise a lot longer, the report says.

4. Climate changes are happening rapidly, compared with previous time periods. One example is the rate of sea level rise has roughly doubled since 2006.

BUT:

5. There’s still a window now in which humans can make it better, with quick action and more patience.

The report laid out five climate futures, in which humans take varying steps to reduce the emissions that cause warming.

Under most possible scenarios, warming will continue. If the world does little now to reduce emissions, temperatures for our now-living children and grandchildren could be 300 to 600 percent higher than the best-case scenario, with catastrophic consequences.

But the most aggressive and widespread emissions cuts now could actually limit warming as soon as 2051, and reaching “net zero” emissions could even reduce warming a smidge under the projected 1.5 degrees Celsius by then.

It will cost money, but so do disasters, fires and food shortages. More importantly, it will take buy-in and political action on a global scale, especially from the largest polluters such as the U.S.

What can the little guy do? At least five things:

1. Urge government to take swift action. Tell your representatives — especially in Congress — it matters and is a top priority. Mobilize the community to do the same. Vote for candidates embracing action.

2. Conserve energy at home so we need less fossil fuels, using an energy efficient heat pump and appliances, programmable thermostat, choosing an electric (vs. gas) stove. Unplug computers and other electronics from outlets when not in use. It saves money, too. Seems small, but if we all do our parts it adds up.

3. Consider renewable energy alternatives, solar panels, hybrid and electric cars, etc.

4. Consider the impact of transportation. Less driving, more public transportation – which in our area requires more investment in building train systems and bus systems – nets less energy and fossil fuel use. Ride a bike or walk when it’s not far, and get more exercise to boot.

And finally, waste less, use renewable products and containers more and discover the soul-affirming effects of only consuming what’s actually needed. There’s a belief described in Navajo culture as well as others that taking or having more than one needs harms body and mind. The opposite, many find, reduces stress.

Since the growing trash piles are full of what we didn’t need, we can help the planet at the same time as ourselves.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.