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“The world is on pace to warm by as much as 2.9 C by the end of the century, nearly double the international target agreed upon less than a decade ago, a new United Nations report says. This increase is despite the goal of limiting warming to the 2015 Paris Agreement target of 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, to achieve this goal, a rapid transformation away from fossil fuels toward renewable energy will be required,” says Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme. This is a pressing matter that nations around the world must take seriously in order to tackle climate change.
**Facing Urgent Transformation**
The UN report highlights the need for urgent action at the upcoming COP28 climate talks. Taryn Fransen, scientific director of the climate program at the World Resources Institute, emphasized that countries must take action to achieve their emissions targets. She mentioned, “If countries achieve their most ambitious targets of zero net emissions by around 2050, we can limit warming to even 2 C. However, most countries haven’t yet underpinned those targets with the necessary legislation and implementation plans to drive down emissions.”
**Responsibility of Wealthy Countries**
Moreover, the report emphasized that wealthy countries need to take more ambitious and rapid action and provide support to developing nations in order to address climate change. Canada, for instance, has been advised to increase incentives for renewables to meet its environmental goals. Indeed, the consequences of failing to recognize the urgent need for change in transitioning to renewable energy sources are grave for both human and natural systems. A warming of 3 C poses serious risks such as increased storm damage, crop failure, and disease spread.
In conclusion, the urgency to address climate change is real and requires the collective effort and commitment of all nations. Ensuring the sustainability of our planet for future generations should be a top priority. Let us hope that the upcoming COP28 will yield fruitful discussions and impactful decisions in the fight against climate change.”
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