Call for firmer action in response to climate change report

There have been calls for long-term thinking, delivery plans and concrete action in response to the landmark Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published this week. The report warns that within the next 20 years, global temperatures are likely to rise 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, making heatwaves, flooding and droughts more common and extreme.

The report shows that emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900, and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming. This assessment is based on improved observational datasets to assess historical warming, as well progress in scientific understanding of the response of the climate system to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.

Matthew Fell, CBI Chief Policy Director: “If anybody still had any doubts to the scale of the climate crisis, this report must surely put those to bed.

“COP26 must be the trigger for more, urgent action from countries around the world. It requires joint efforts by governments, businesses and consumers.

“Committing to and achieving net zero is paramount and the UK must look to lead by example, establishing the policy and tax frameworks to make it possible.

“Businesses understand the vital role they must play and many are putting net zero plans in place. We need to see more of those commitments and acting on the pledges made, as soon as possible.”

Luke Osborne, ECA Energy and Emerging Technologies Solutions Advisor, said: “The IPCC’s message is stark, yet it’s not surprising. The worst effects of climate change can still be mitigated if we act now and with maximum effort – this really is our last chance to save ourselves from climate crisis.

“The electrotechnical industry is poised to deliver the safe, productive and low-carbon buildings and infrastructure that will meet our immediate and future needs and support the drive towards Net Zero Carbon.

“As host nation of COP26, the onus is on us to lead by example and show how a rapid and professional rollout of insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, EV charging, smart meters, battery storage and much more can make a real impact.”