IPCC Report: Let’s commit to act, to innovate, to change

This morning’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report sets out in clear and well-evidenced science what many have been sensing, experiencing, knowing.

The rapid change in weather, the prevalence of forest fires. It’s been in previous reports, it’s been in our gut, and now it’s very clear on paper: due to human activity, global warming will hit 1.5°C by 2040 with the best case, low emission scenario and with it catastrophic sea level rises. The Arctic is likely to be “practically sea ice free in September at least once before 2050”.

Going into the pandemic – many called COVID-19 out as a dress rehearsal. Reflecting on the unequal but universally life-changing impact COVID-19 has had on each of our lives individually and society as a whole, it’s incredibly tough to see that over the last 18 months, we’ve just been “practising”. We’ve been learning that when it’s life and death, we can change and critically, systems can change.

And it is life and death. Hundreds of thousands of people already fall victim to the impact of climate change each year. With the latest documented rise in sea level, if we don’t move to a net-zero pathway sooner than we ever thought before, it will be millions, if not billions of people.

But now is not the time to lose hope.

Now is the time to be inspired, to act, to do whatever we can.

Be inspired by the incredible work of the teams on Million Cool Roofs to improve access to sustainable cooling. Be inspired by the work being done to decarbonise the water sector in the UK and prepare for more extreme weather through the Ofwat Innovation Fund. Be inspired by the cities taking on the Climate Smart Cities Challenge and the innovators they support to develop, test and scale cutting-edge solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Wherever or whatever you do, now is the time to change and to innovate. What can you do differently; how can you contribute? Enter our Challenges; take the next step, ask everyone around you for the help you need.

Let’s overcome barriers together. Let’s swallow our pride and throw excuses out the window.

If you’re in a position to do so – think about how you can inspire others and enable them to innovate. Our Practice Guide is a great first step if you’re looking for a route to drive breakthrough innovation, help innovators thrive and play a role in systemic change.

Come chat with us and let us know how we can help ([email protected]).

If you’re involved in COP26, please, be ambitious, lead with confidence, strength and humility.

The warning bells are ringing out. Let’s act now and take the next steps together.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE