Re: Climate (2021.08)
iThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a scientific body convened by the United Nations, last week released a major new climate assessment.
While there’s much to process in the report’s 3,949 pages, one thing is clear: Time is running out. Our planet’s climate is changing — now more quickly than ever — and these changes will affect everyone. Notably, the IPCC for the first time draws clear links between the rise in global temperatures and specific severe weather events. And as much as I had wished for better news, the report leaves no doubt that even a sharp cut today to global emissions would leave us locked into to a 1.5-degree Celsius temperature rise across the next 20 years.
But not all is lost.
It’s important to understand that we can prevent the planet from getting even hotter. To do this, we would need to stop adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by around 2050. While it’s true that every bit of warming makes things gradually worse, it’s also true that every bit of warming that’s prevented makes a difference. Collectively and individually, our actions matter now more than ever.
One way we can make a difference is by continuing our support — or becoming supporters — of land trusts. Private and voluntary land conservation is part of the solution to our climate crisis. We know it’ll play a key role in our national goal to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and ocean areas by 2030. And just as we can’t address climate change without harnessing the power of nature, we cannot meet the 30x30 goal without private land conservation.
Land trusts across our nation are working each day to help nature adapt to climate change. You can help. Find a land trust near you through Find a Land Trust. I encourage you to reach out and join this growing community. See how you can be part of the solution. It’s one more step you can take — beyond driving less and consuming thoughtfully — to make a difference.
Because last week’s IPCC report was yet another wake-up call. And in the fight against climate change, we’re already running late.
Kelly Watkinson is land and climate program manager at the Land Trust Alliance.