Takeaways from the report on climate change

On Aug. 9, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released the Sixth Assessment Report on Climate Change — a “code red for humanity,” according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Below are some key takeaways.

Earth is on track to cross the critical 1.5°C threshold within 20 years

Earth’s climate is warming faster than scientists previously thought, and even if nations sharply cut greenhouse gas emissions, total global warming will reach 1.5°C within the next 20 years. The 1.5°C increase is the critical threshold defined in the Paris Agreement to prevent the worst effects from climate change. If this 1.5°C increase occurs, we can expect to see an increase in climate impacts such as sea level rise, declining biodiversity, fishery and crop decline and rising poverty, as well as many other health-related impacts.

Warming is “unequivocally” due to human activity

“It is unequivocal that human influence has warmed the atmosphere, ocean and land,” causing widespread and rapid changes, the report said.

We can still prevent the most dire climate hazards

We must take drastic action now in order to stave off the most dire climate outcomes. Doing so will require a coordinated effort among nations to rapidly shift away from fossil fuels and eliminate greenhouse gas emissions.

How is health related to climate change?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), climate change is expected to be responsible for 250,000 deaths per year between 2030 and 2050. Key health threats of climate change, according to the WHO and the CDC:

• Heat stress, as seen in the recent heat waves in the Northwestern states
• Waterborne and vector-carried diseases, for which a warmer climate means a wider geographic and seasonal distribution
• Air pollution, which is associated with diminished lung function, asthma and premature deaths

Health organizations like the medical center play a key role in providing the quality care and support needed for the communities to face the effects of climate change.

How the medical center is doing its part

The UN report emphasizes the importance of large organizations achieving their sustainability goals. The med center is striving to be carbon neutral by 2030, alongside a number of other goals. Visit the med center’s dashboard to find out more.

Resources for individuals

• LiveGreen website
• Count Us In’s list of 16 actions
• United Nations individual action site