The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a report, “2001-2010, A Decade of Climate Extremes,” that underscores, if we needed it, how late in the day it has become.
“WMO’s report shows that global warming was significant from 1971 to 2010 and that the decadal rate of increase between 1991-2000 and 2001-2010 was unprecedented. Rising concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are changing our climate, with far reaching implications for our environment and our oceans, which are absorbing both carbon dioxide and heat.” That statement, from WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud in the press release, couldn’t say it better.
The extremes which the comprehensive report highlights include temperatures, precipitation, and tropical cyclones, as well as the impacts from these. (For more on these impacts and how we need to manage them, see the IPCC’s special report, Managing the Risks of Extreme Events and Disasters to Advance Climate Change Adaptation also known as the SREX.)
It’s up to us, isn’t it? Buy that EV, moderate your AC, call your elected officials and demand renewables and more recycling, eat less meat. Educate yourself. Yesterday. It’s all hands on deck.
