IPCC report under the microscope

Yesterday the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published its sixth assessment report on the state of our knowledge about the climate. Produced every seven years, the reports draw on the knowledge and research of hundreds of climate scientists across the globe. 

The latest findings show humans are unequivocally warming the planet, extreme weather is affecting every part of the globe and that some changes are irreversible. 

As the nation digested the sobering messages, Dr Kelly Redeker, a Biogeochemist from our Department of Biology, told BBC Radio York’s Joanita Muisi: “A lot of what’s being discussed is not particularly new, what’s new is that we can say pretty undeniably that humans are the main cause of the changes we’re seeing.

“We aren’t acting as quickly as we should. A clear message in the report is that we’re running out of time. There’s still a chance to make a difference but now’s the time for our leaders to take action. If we continue business as usual I would be worried.”

The report is released less than three months before the UK hosts the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) which will bring together leaders from across the world to discuss future climate change action.

To listen to Dr Redeker’s full interview visit Radio York starting at 2:23:47.