Whether in politics, in the various sectors of the economy or as an individual: the third part of the IPCC report now published contains detailed information on how climate change can still be slowed down. Experts agree that there is almost no time for this: if you want to limit global warming to a maximum of 1.5 degrees from the pre-industrial era, you have to act now, they say.
In concrete terms, this means that global emissions must peak in 2025 and greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by 43% by 2030. Methane emissions must also be reduced by about a third.
Change in the energy sector must come
One of the biggest tasks will likely be the reorganization of the energy sector. The researchers leave no doubt that a fundamental change is needed. Above all, this means switching from fossil fuels, whose consumption must be drastically reduced, to low-emission energy sources. This also includes a shift to alternative energy sources.
ORF.at/Michael Baldauf Renewable energy plays a key role in climate goals
The IPCC report indicates that renewable energy prices have dropped significantly. However, the proportion of climate-friendly energy sources is still very small. The topic came up again in the Ukraine war because of Russia’s dependence – which is why environmental organizations like the WWF declare that the “age of fossil energy” is over. But that also includes saying goodbye to coal-fired power plants, which are now comparatively popular again in the face of war.
Cities with a lot of potential
But there is also a lot of potential for change in cities. According to experts, urban areas must convert their traffic into electricity and use low-emission energy sources for this purpose. Parks and open spaces, swamps and urban agriculture can absorb and store CO2 and also reduce the risk of floods and heat islands in the city centre.
A fundamental change in infrastructure can also lead to a significant reduction in emissions. The IPCC report states that workplaces and apartments can be combined to achieve “a form of compact city”. Furthermore, one should not only intensify public transport, but also specifically promote non-motorized traffic – that is, walking and cycling, for example.
Targeting building emissions
According to the IPCC, there is great potential for savings not only in infrastructure, but also in construction. The goal for new buildings and renovations should be to minimize emissions. Form and functionality can play a role in adapting buildings to the changing needs of residents. Empty houses will be converted. According to the report, there are many ways to reduce emissions, especially in developing countries.
Emissions from homes have increased by about 50% since 1990. Higher living space per capita, population growth and a sharp increase in electricity use would have caused this increase. Efficiency increases were only able to offset some of that.
Electric vehicles as the future
When it comes to transportation, there is broad agreement that electric vehicles can do a lot to reduce emissions. According to the IPCC report, they even have the greatest potential for savings on the ground – if they run on electricity with correspondingly low emissions. Biofuels can also play a role, at least in the short to medium term.
ORF.at/Christian Öser There is a lot of potential for savings through electromobility
These also play an important role in aviation and navigation. “Sustainable biofuels, low-emission hydrogen and derivatives” can contribute to the improvement, he says. At the same time, however, it is emphasized that there must be improvements in production processes – and the corresponding reduction in costs.
industry as a challenge
A rethink will also be needed in the industry. The IPCC report describes net zero emissions as “challenging but possible”. In this sector, materials must be used more efficiently, for example through product reuse and recycling and waste minimization. New production processes, low or zero emission electricity, the use of hydrogen and CO2 storage are needed. Many production processes with significantly lower or zero emissions of greenhouse gases are already in the pilot phase, some of them about to be used commercially. While this could make production more expensive, they say it could have a non-negligible impact on emissions.
ORF.at/Georg Hummer Preserving forests can also save emissions
Also with regard to agriculture and forestry, the report states that major savings are possible. In particular, “conservation, improved management and restoration of forests and other ecosystems (coastal wetlands, peatlands, savannas and grasslands)” make the greatest contribution. Reducing deforestation in tropical regions is considered the biggest effect.
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Negative emissions as a solution
The big issue of implementation
The potential for savings is stated very clearly in the IPCC report – as is the question of what specific measures are needed. For example, the non-controversial removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere (negative emissions), for example with the help of technical solutions, is mentioned to achieve the objective. But the “simple” energy saving, in which everyone can participate, is also a problem.
Of course, this shift will require numerous policy decisions – and of course money will also have to be made. However, according to the IPCC, the impact on gross domestic product (GDP) is minimal. Even if all the solutions in the report were implemented, experts only expect a difference of a few percent – with a simultaneous doubling of gross domestic product expected by 2050.
Need system change, not fix
Climate researcher Georg Kaser told the APA that tweaks, corrections and individual screw turns cannot be used to combat global warming. It is becoming increasingly clear that a “system change” is needed.
It is good that experts, after analyzing the available data, say “It is possible!” with the aim of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius. It failed “in principle, however, due to political will and, so to speak, cultural understanding,” says the former dean of the Faculty of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Innsbruck. He continues to see major barriers in many institutions to the necessary changes.
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What is blocking the fight against the climate crisis?
Expert also sees Austria as a duty
The message is also clear that the vast amount of renewable energy needed for the transition will not be available anytime soon and that it is therefore “also a matter of reducing energy consumption”. It is worth noting here that the report makes strong reference to the fact that while there are sufficient financial resources for real system changes, so far they are not flowing in that direction.
The expert sees a strong obligation here for rich industrialized countries like Austria, which on the one hand contribute a lot to the current situation and on the other have relatively high per capita income. You also need to ensure that the change is socially just. Decision makers in politics and business are once again called upon to understand this.