Record atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations and associated accumulated heat have propelled the planet into ‘uncharted territory’ with ‘far-reaching repercussions for current and future generations’, according to a new report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Issued on the eve of the COP26 climate change conference in Glasgow, the WMO State of the Global Climate 2021 report has found that the past seven years are ‘on track to be the seven warmest on record’. Meanwhile, global sea level rise accelerated since 2013 to a new high in 2021, with continued ocean warming and ocean acidification.
The report, which brings together input from multiple United Nations agencies, national meteorological and hydrological services and scientific experts, highlights impacts on food security and population displacement, harming crucial ecosystems and undermining progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The UN’s Secretary-General António Guterres commented: ‘The provisional WMO State of the Global Climate 2021 report draws from the latest scientific evidence to show how our planet is changing before our eyes. From the ocean depths to mountain tops, from melting glaciers to relentless extreme weather events, ecosystems and communities around the globe are being devastated. COP26 must be a turning point for people and planet.
‘Scientists are clear on the facts. Now leaders need to be just as clear in their actions. The door is open; the solutions are there. COP26 must be a turning point. We must act now – with ambition and solidarity – to safeguard our future and save humanity.
The WMO’s Secretary-General Prof. Petteri Taalas added: ‘Extreme [weather] events are the new norm. There is mounting scientific evidence that some of these bear the footprint of human-induced climate change.
‘At the current rate of increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, we will see a temperature increase by the end of this century far in excess of the Paris Agreement targets of 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. COP26 is a make-or-break opportunity to put us back on track.’
Click here to access more information on the WMO State of the Global Climate 2021 report.
Alongside the COP26 main conference, there will be many sidebar seminars, workshops and events. The maritime-related events will include Ship Zero: Charging to True Zero, organised by the Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association (ZESTAs). In addition, the City of Glasgow College will be hosting the COP26 International Maritime Hub at its Riverside campus in order to provide a ‘global showcase for green technology, innovation and capabilities from across the UK maritime industry’.
The COP26 International Maritime Hub was officially launched on Friday (29 October) by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Speaking at the launch, the First Minister said: ‘The Scottish Government is committed to the decarbonisation of the transport sector in a sustainable way to deliver a just transition. By 2032, 30% of Scottish Government ferries will be low emission and low emission solutions are being widely adopted at Scottish ports. We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders across the maritime industry, including Maritime UK and City of Glasgow College, to help achieve our ambitious net zero targets.’