While the first part of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report described climate change in a factual way, the second part revealed on February 28, discloses the scope of real and potential impacts. Moreover, it explains the way our societies can and must adapt to mitigate these negative effects.
SOME IMPACTS ARE ALREADY VISIBLE
Where the last report pointed out the links between human activity and climate disruption, the IPCC is now addressing the consequences and the necessity to adapt.
The new IPCC report lists the consequences of climate change that are already being observed worldwide: heatwaves, drought, floods, extreme weather events. They are numerous and many of them concern coastal areas, our Ocean and marine ecosystems in every part of the world. Coral bleaching, ocean acidification, rising sea levels, difficulty accessing drinking water…
“Roughly half of the world’s population currently experience severe water scarcity for at least some part of the year”
The ocean, essential in the regulation of the climate, is thus deeply threatened, as well as the populations that depend on it. We are no longer in a scenario of future projections; the effects of climate change are already there.
“The magnitude and rate of climate change and associated risks depend strongly on near-term mitigation and adaptation actions.”
It is no secret that the time to act is now if we want to use the small window of opportunity that we still have.
WE NEED TO ADAPT OUR SOCIETY
The climate change-induced effects are increasing the vulnerability of some populations: although no one is spared, some regions and populations are more affected and the most vulnerable and will face more dramatic exposure. This second part of the IPCC report highlights climate injustice: the more vulnerable are the least responsible for climate change, yet they are the ones who suffer the most and with the fewer means to adapt.
Mitigation measures are not enough to limit climate change effects. The report points out that without an adequate adaptation, the risks and impacts induced by climate change will be significantly stronger. It is a necessity to set up adaptation mechanisms in addition to mitigation measures. Climate resilient development is possible, but the window of opportunity is closing rapidly. We have to rapidly act now to limit tomorrow’s disasters.
Societal choices must be made in a systemic way regarding both mitigation and adaptation. We need ambitious politics, but also campaigns to raise awareness and spaces for public consultations.
Regarding marine and coastal areas, one of the main solutions is the protection and restoration of coastal spaces and ecosystems through effective management and governance. For example, coastal wetlands can protect us against coastal erosion and flooding.
But we must be careful because a maladaptation is also possible, that is why Surfrider Europe, based on the work of the IPCC, promotes an Ecosystem-based adaptation respectful of nature, which relies on its resources as a vector of sustainable solutions.
TIME FOR ACTION
This second IPCC report reminds us of the importance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C (reminder: it is already estimated at about 1.1°C between the pre-industrial era and 2020). If global warming exceeds 1.5°C, even temporarily, the risks for ecosystems and human societies will be higher and more serious. Beyond 2°C of global warming, the risks of biodiversity loss increase dramatically, as do the costs of adaptation. Not only will the effects of climate change be stronger, but it will be even more difficult to adapt.
Every additional tenth of a degree of global warming counts, so action is pressing. Even though some ecosystems have already reached or exceeded their adaptation threshold, such as some coral reefs, a strong response with systemic measures at the political level will have a direct and high impact.
The last sentence of the Report’s summary for Policymakers illustrates the urgency to act together and on a global scale, to limit the damage before it’s too late:
“The cumulative scientific evidence is unequivocal: Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health. Any further delay in concerted anticipatory global action on adaptation and mitigation will miss a brief and rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a livable and sustainable future for all.”
SURFRIDER PROMOTING SOLUTIONS
Adaptation through ecosystem-based adaptation is one of the key challenges for Surfrider Europe. But mitigation must remain the absolute political and economic priority when setting up adaptation mechanisms.
Coastal areas are at the heart of climate change effects. Today, more than 200 million European citizens live near the coast and are confronted with the risks of coastal flooding, sea-level rise and erosion. Around 50% of world beaches can disappear by 2100.
With its work on an interactive map, Surfrider is observing the changes in coastal areas throughout the years. The conclusion is clear, our landscapes are changing, therefore we need to adapt while taking concrete measures to mitigate climate change. There are four strategies of coastal adaptation: protection, accommodation, retreat and limited intervention. Even though the chosen solution must be tailored to each territory, Surfrider advocates for soft measures that are cost-effective, self-adaptive, and more respectful of biodiversity and ecosystems.
