SCIAF responds to new 2023 UN Climate Change Report

SCIAF has reacted to UN’s latest report on the devastating effect climate change is having on our planet. 

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) today released a new report reflecting the urgency of the climate crisis, its current devastating impacts and the irreversible harm that will occur if global warming surpasses 1.5°C. 

Alistair Dutton, SCIAF’s Chief Executive, said:     

“This latest report from the UN is the starkest warning yet that we must urgently increase our efforts to tackle the climate emergency dramatically. Not surpassing the 1.5C temperature goal is both a moral and a scientific imperative. 

“The world’s poorest people are suffering effects of climate change first and worst. The local communities and organisations that we in SCIAF work with around the world constantly tell us about the devastation the climate crisis is causing, including the loss of lives and livelihoods.  

“Only this week, Malawi was hit hard by Cyclone Freddy which brought an unimaginable six months’ rain in just six days, killing over 300 people and injuring and displacing many more.   

“Countries like Scotland must act now to reduce our own emissions as quickly as possible in line with the 1.5C global temperature goal, as well as providing urgent funding to help people on the frontlines of this crisis. A top priority for the world is to get the new fund for Loss and Damage agreed at COP27 up and running as soon as possible. The world cannot wait any longer for the action that is so urgently needed.”