WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update: comment

Commenting on the Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) [1] Gareth Redmond-King, Head of International at the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) said: "In the middle of a heatwave, with El Niño almost certainly arriving later this year, comes a warning that the next five years are increasingly likely to hit or pass average warming of 1.5°C. This doesn’t yet mean we pass the Paris Agreement goal but it is getting more likely.

"With dangerous extremes harming our health, food security, and upping the cost of living already, at 1.3-1.4°C, it is clear the next few years risk greater danger and cost. Unless we reach net zero emissions, we don’t stop climate change, and these extremes continue to spiral. Doing that alongside supporting farmers at home and overseas to adapt to our hotter world would help address the growing alarm calls from the UK government’s own national security advisors about the scale of the growing risk from climate change and biodiversity loss." [2]

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update is issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and is published on 28 May. 

2. Nature security assessment on global biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse and national security: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nature-security-assessment-on-global-biodiversity-loss-ecosystem-collapse-and-national-security

For more information or for interview requests:

George Smeeton, Head of Communications, ECIU, t: 020 8156 5305, m: 07894 571 153, email: george.smeeton@eciu.net