{"id":11738,"date":"2018-10-11T12:07:17","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T16:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=11738"},"modified":"2018-10-11T14:55:02","modified_gmt":"2018-10-11T18:55:02","slug":"a-closer-look-at-new-climate-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/a-closer-look-at-new-climate-report\/","title":{"rendered":"A Closer Look at New Climate Report"},"content":{"rendered":"

A new\u00a0special <\/a>report<\/a>\u00a0from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is waving a red flag on the effects of climate change. This report, written by over 90 scientists from 40 countries, warns that we need to make large-scale and rapid changes.<\/p>\n

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Scientists say we must limit average global temperature rise to no more than 1.5\u00b0C (2.7\u00b0F). This temperature increase is considered the \u201ctipping point\u201d for many of the most severe threats posed by climate change. It is also an ambitious target given our current rising temperatures.<\/p>\n

So far, average global temperatures have warmed about 1\u00b0C (1.8\u00b0F) since pre-industrial times (the second half of the 19th\u00a0Century). According to the IPCC, without accelerated action, the planet will reach the 1.5\u00b0C threshold as early as 2030. This temperature increase would escalate the risk of extreme drought, floods, wildfires, and food shortages, impacting tens of millions of people.<\/p>\n

Small Change, Big Impact<\/h3>\n

While half a degree difference might not sound like much, that shift will have devastating effects on our plants and animals, coral reefs, Arctic summer sea ice, and water availability. Every bit of warming matters, with higher temperature changes leading to increased risk of long-lasting or irreversible changes.<\/p>\n

The warning is clear, but we still have a chance to put into place the \u201cdisruptive innovation\u201d needed to change course if we act now.<\/p>\n

You Can Be Part of the Solution<\/h3>\n

Global climate change must be addressed through both\u00a0effective state and federal policy and our own individual actions. By reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching to clean, renewable energy sources, we can mitigate the worst effects of climate change before it is too late.<\/p>\n

Our personal choices in areas like home energy use, travel methods, altering our diet to be less reliant on land- and energy-intensive animal products, and developing smart, green infrastructure throughout our communities can all contribute to a global shift in the right direction.<\/p>\n

Here are a few ways you can make a difference:<\/p>\n