Leading climate scientist Piers Forster explains what the IPCC synthesis really means in a series of tweets
Nearly 200 countries are working towards a UN emissions reduction deal to be signed off in 2015 (UN Photos)
Can’t be bothered to read our #IPCC Synthesis report: here are the headlines in 18 tweets..
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Our effect on climate is clear; emissions of GHGs are highest ever. Climate changes have had widespread impacts on humans and nature
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Warming is unequivocal; observed changes are unprecedented; atmosphere and ocean have warmed, snow and ice reduced, and sea level risen
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Climate change has impacted nature and humans on all continents and across the oceans. The Earth is sensitive to a changing climate
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Changes in extreme weather are occurring. We have caused fewer cold days, more hot days, more high sea-level days and more heavy rains
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Continued emissions bring chance of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts. Limiting risk needs substantial emission cuts and adaptation
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Cumulative CO2 emissions determine future warming. Future pathway depends on socio- economic development and climate policy
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Whatever we do temperature will rise some. Very likely more heat waves and heavy rains. Oceans will warm and acidify, plus sea level rise
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Climate change will increase risk to humans and nature. Risks are greater for disadvantaged people in all countries
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Many aspects of climate change will continue for centuries, even if emissions stop. Risks of irreversible changes increase with warming
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Adaptation and mitigation help manage risk. Emission cuts reduce risk and long-term cost of mitigation. They build climate-resilience
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Need additional mitigation to avoid severe, widespread irreversible impacts Mitigation has less risk, increased benefit from mitigation now
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Adaptation can help, but there are limits. More immediate adaptation actions can enhance future options and preparedness
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
We can likely limit warming to below 2°C if substantial emission cuts now and zero emissions by 2100. Challenge increases with delay
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
No single adaptation and mitigation option is sufficient by itself. Need cooperation at all scales integrated with other societal objectives
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Adaptation and mitigation helped by effective institutions, governance and investments with behavioral and lifestyle choices
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Adaptation options and their potential vary with region and sectors. Some have co-benefits or trade-offs. Challenge increases with warming
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Adaptation options and their potential vary with region and sectors. Some have co-benefits or trade-offs. Challenge increases with warming
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Mitigation made cheaper by integrating energy saving with decarbonization of energy supply, and reducing net emission from land
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Policies across all scales supporting technology development, diffusion and transfer, as well as finance can help
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014
Climate change is a threat to sustainable development. But also brings opportunities. We need suitable governance structures
— Piers Forster (@piersforster) November 2, 2014