After outlining the drastic consequences of climate change in its last two reports, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released its final assessment today, saying that emissions trading schemes, energy efficiency, and rapid development of renewable energy are needed to combat the world's looming environmental problems.
While the previous reports offered grim predictions for the world if climate change is not addressed immediately, the newest report concludes that the technological capabilities are now in place to address coming problems. However, developing them on a scale large enough to have an impact will take much stronger political will.
In a statement released by the National Audubon Society, President JohnFlicker praised the report, saying "there is much good news here and even reason for optimism if we listen and heed the call to action. The report confirms that many of the technologies we need to address the problem already exist and simply need to be deployed in a serious way."
The main recommendations of the report include: Setting a target for global emissions reductions by creating a greenhouse gas trading scheme in order to stabilize and eventually lower emissions such as CO2;encourage more energy conservation and energy efficient lifestyles; and rapidly develop more renewable energy technologies to eventually overtake dirty fossil sources of energy. Some governments are reacting positively to the report, saying that it proves the overwhelming need to increase the use of clean energy around the world. The European Union (EU), which says it is committed to energy efficiency and renewable energy, has promised to act swiftly on the report's recommendations
In a statement issued shortly after the report was released, EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas said the body would encourage more action from member countries and the rest of the world.
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