It is a stark read to see the sixth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Changes. It confirms that anthropogenic climate changes are real, present, and lasting. It is now unambiguous that human influence has warmed the oceans, atmosphere, and land to unprecedented levels, with worsening effects likely in the future.This report dispels the notion that climate change is abstracted or remote. Extreme events are occurring all over the globe, including wildfires in Australia and Sweden, north-west America, and heatwaves in Siberia, Canada, and the devastating drought that struck South Africa. Since the last assessment report, evidence has increased that humans have contributed to extreme weather events. These events are only going to get worse unless we take immediate action. Sea levels are expected to rise in the coming century. It is possible for sea levels to rise as high as 2m, which would leave coastal communities and low-lying areas extremely vulnerable.The report's headline figure is that the average global temperature in 2011-2020 was 1.1C warmer than in 1850-1900. Although this may seem like an insignificant increase for any given day, it is significant over the long-term. Each degree that global warming increases, the impact on extreme events like heatwaves or floods becomes greater.2015's Paris Agreement was a landmark in that it committed signatories to limit global warming to 1.5C above preindustrialised levels. According to the IPCCs report, our goal should be to limit temperature rises to a minimum. Limiting temperature rises to 1.5C, relative to a 2C increase in temperature, would decrease food and water scarcity, enhance prospects for endangered species, and protect the health of humans from extreme heat, air pollution, malnutrition, and malnutrition. This is the goal we must strive for.Global warming should be limited to 1.5C, which is ambitious but not impossible. The UK committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in the Climate Change Act amendment of 2019. However, it will be difficult to achieve this goal. The climate crisis is a problem that affects both urban and rural areas. It affects both the domestic and international economies as well as human beings. It means that society needs to transform at all levels: individuals, employers and institutions, as well as international partners, will have to collaborate to find the best trade-offs, reach compromises and take advantage of opportunities. Just as scientists gather insights from different fields, policymakers need to collaborate across disciplines in order to find a clear path to net zero. This is a complex system problem. It will take a systematic approach to tackle it.Looking back to 2050, it's clear that net zero will require a renewed focus on science and innovation. We must first assess the technology available and identify the ones we need by the middle century. Then, we must deploy them as quickly as possible. To ensure we stay on track, we must monitor our progress against interim targets. We need to identify areas in which there are no practical solutions and where innovation and research is needed to address specific challenges. Third, we must invest in these areas. These investments will help to seed future industries. We must think globally to ensure that climate innovations are accessible and shared equally.It is important to recognize that the climate has changed already and will continue to change as we approach 1.5C. Sea levels are rising and wildfires and floods are becoming more common. Science and engineering can aid us in adapting, increasing the resilience of the most vulnerable, and strengthening global food security. The existing tools are able to anticipate adverse events and adjust the design of cities, transport systems, and agriculture to minimize their worst effects.Alok Sharma, the Cop president designate will work with us to ensure that the upcoming climate change conference (Cop26), will be a focus on science and innovation. We will also include a dedicated day for activity. Cop26 will leave a legacy that science is as important in solving climate change problems as it is understanding it.Each IPCC assessment report is a remarkable undertaking. It draws on thousands of experts around the globe to give the most complete assessment of the climate present and future. They have also made their mark. In 1995, the second assessment report was published. It stated that there is evidence to suggest that human activity has had an impact on the global climate. This led to the Kyoto protocol, which obligated all parties to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The Paris Agreement of 2015 was informed by the fifth. The fifth informed the 2015 Paris agreement. We hope the sixth will inspire similar historic action in Glasgow in October and put the world on a sustainable and safe path.
