A new report published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) explored trends across the country related to climate change. The group’s work showed that climate change is intensifying globally.
As a result, the researchers say consumers can expect to see several changes. They include rising global temperatures, rising sea levels, changes to rainfall patterns, flooding, and ocean warming.
“Climate change is already affecting every region on earth, in multiple ways,” said researcher Panmao Zhai. “The changes we experience will increase with additional warming.”
Study leads to reality check
The IPCC team wrote up a climate change report called Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis. The group analyzed climate change from a global perspective by using regional climate simulations, climate science, and various studies to determine what’s in store for different regions around the world. They found that climate change is intensifying around the world, but different regions will experience different changes.
Globally, temperatures are expected to continue to rise at a rapid rate. From a weather perspective, colder seasons are likely to get shorter and warmer seasons will get longer.
The researchers explained that consumers’ behaviors are responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. The current trajectory predicts that the current goal of lowering the global temperature by 1 degree Celsius may be unrealistic.
“This report is a reality check,” said researcher Valérie Masson-Delmotte. “We now have a much clearer picture of the past, present, and future climate, which is essential for understanding where we are headed, what can be done, and how we can prepare.”
Changing temperatures and more serious weather events
As a result of rising global temperatures, there are likely to be other environmental shifts around the world. Sea levels are expected to rise, which can increase the risk of serious floods. Glaciers and ice sheets will likely continue to melt as the earth gets warmer.
The researchers also found that ocean temperatures will get warmer as the global temperature increases, which can impact food sources in some areas. Changes to temperature are also likely to intensify yearly rainfall and significantly increase the frequency of serious weather events.
As we look to the future, the researchers explained that the goal is for consumers to do their part to make the most sustainable choices that can benefit the planet and the environment.
“Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and reaching net zero CO2 emissions,” Zhai said. “Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits for both health and the climate.”