Context

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) third edition of the Sixth Assessment Report.

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Details

  • The IPCC usually does not provide policy prescriptions in its assessment reports.
  • A crucial part of the report, called the “Summary for Policymakers”, was approved by 195 member governments of the IPCC.
  • IPCC in its recent assessment report has suggested various measures to contain the rise in temperatures below 2°C.

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IPCC Assessment Report

  • The IPCC is currently developing its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) with contributions by its three Working Groups and a Synthesis Report, three Special Reports, and refinement to its latest Methodology Report.
  • The Working Group I contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report “Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis” was released in August 2021.
  • The Working Group II contribution “Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability” was released in February 2022.
  • The Working Group III contribution “Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change” was released in April 2022.
  • Scientists from around the globe who are a part of the Working Group III of the IPCC analyse the various interventions that can be made to contain the rise in the temperature by the end of the century.

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How is the report prepared?

  • The Working Group undertakes the assessment of credible and latest research papers on the technological, environmental, economic and social factors of mitigating the impact of climate change.
  • The group examines various social developments, like the announcements made at the annual Conference of Parties (COP) to prepare the report.
  • The group also studies the role of forest communities, indigenous tribes and corporations in mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and recommends various measures that must be undertaken in three timelines: until 2030, until 2050 and until 2100.

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Key findings of the report

  • The anthropogenic emissions of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) have constantly increased between 2010–2019.
  • The cumulative net CO2 emissions have also continuously increased since 1850.
  • The Average annual GHG emissions between 2010-2019 were the highest ever recorded in a decade but the rate of increase between 2010 and 2019 was lower than that between 2000 and 2009.
  • The highest increase in the absolute emissions was seen in carbon dioxide from fossil fuels and industry which is followed by the emission of methane.
  • The unit costs of various low-emission technologies have reduced since 2010 but innovation has been lagging in developing countries.
  • Despite the countries adhering to the Nationally Determined Contributions, global warming would still breach the 1.5°C mark in the 21st century.

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Measures suggested by the report to limit global warming

  • Containing global warming to below 2°C would require the implementation of rapid measures of mitigation.
  • Increased financial flows and policy support from the governments and the international community must be extended immediately to counter global warming.
  • According to the report, restricting warming to 1.5°C requires global greenhouse gas emissions to peak before 2025 and be reduced by 43% by 2030.
    • During the same period, methane emissions should also be reduced by about 33%
  • The global temperatures will stabilise when carbon dioxide emissions reach net zero and
    • To limit warming at 1.5°C, net zero emissions must be globally achieved by the early 2050s
    • For 2°C, net zero emissions must be achieved by the early 2070s.

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Implications on India

  • The report stresses the impact of opening new coal plants and it is of relevance to India.
  • The report suggests that all the coal-fired power plants, without the technology to capture and store carbon (CCS) should be closed down by 2050
    • As per the data from the Central Electricity Authority, India has around 211 GW of operational coal-fired power plants
    • According to Global Energy Monitor data, various other coal plants are being constructed in India.
    • The problem is that none of the existing or the under-construction coal-fired power plants in India have CCS facilities.
  • India has committed to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2070 and has devised a framework to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources but India has also continued to hold its ground on its right to coal for its developmental needs.

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