The United Nations’ top scientists have sounded the alarm over climate change yet again, warning that greenhouse gas levels are at their highest level in 800,000 years.
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issued a stern warning while presenting the report: "Science has spoken. There is no ambiguity in the message. Leaders must act, time is not on our side.”
Indeed, the IPCC notes that fast action in reducing emissions is needed in order to limit global warming to 2º Celsius (3.6º Fahrenheit) and keep climate change in check at manageable costs.
Inaction, the report warns, is likely to lead to water and food shortages, refugee crises, widespread flooding, "and long-lasting changes in all components of the climate system, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems."