IEMA Calls for "Political Will and Climate Leadership" In Response to Latest IPCC Report

Following today’s publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report on the impacts of climate change, IEMA has welcomed the clarity it has provided.

Martin Baxter, Executive Director - Policy at IEMA said: “The IPCC report is clear, we’re already seeing the effects of climate change and the consequences will become more significant. Managing climate risks requires a comprehensive approach to adapting to the effects of a changing climate, and taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

“We have the capability to address the challenge of climate change and make the transformation to a low carbon, climate resilient economy and society. We now need the political will and climate leadership to put in place a global agreement to make it happen” said Baxter.

The IPCC’s report “Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability” assesses the vulnerability of socio-economic and natural systems to climate change, negative and positive consequences of climate change, and options for adapting to it. It follows the IPCC’s 2013 report “Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis” which assesses the physical scientific aspects of the climate system and climate change.

The IPCC will publish a further report that assesses options for mitigating climate change through limiting or preventing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing activities that remove them from the atmosphere later in 2014.

IEMA is currently consulting our 15,000 members to update our position on Climate Change, using the knowledge and experience of Environment & Sustainability Professionals to establish necessary action points for the profession, business and Governments. The findings are due to be published in Summer 2014.