Six degree rise highlights emissions target urgency: WWF
13 Nov 2008
The alarming revelation the Earth’s temperature could rise by as much as 6ºC has reinforced the urgent need to set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 25 per cent below 1990 levels, WWF said today.
If the claim, published in the International Energy Agency’s 2008 World Energy Outlook report, proves to be correct, then strong and binding targets will be the only way to avoid catastrophic climate change.
"Such a massive temperature rise would have devastating and irreversible impacts on our economy and environment," said Mr Paul Toni, WWF-Australia Team Leader for Development and Sustainability.
"The Australian Government must go to the upcoming international climate change negotiations in Poznan with a minimum 2020 target of 25 per cent - or offer even more if other countries agree.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a temperature rise of 5ºC will lead to the dislocation of hundreds of million people and the extinction of more than 35 per cent of species.
"A 6ºC rise could only be worse and would be unprecedented in human experience," Mr Toni said. "It is imperative that at Poznan developed countries gain agreement for a 2020 target of between 25-40 per cent."
WWF disagreed with the International Energy Agency’s assessment that it was "unachievable" for the world to limit greenhouse gases at 450 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide equivalent.
"The only thing that is lacking is the political will," Mr Toni said. "There are numerous reports demonstrating that through low emission technology, energy efficiency and halting deforestation we have the means to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions."
As a hot, dry country, Australia has the most to lose if greenhouse gas concentrations are not stabilised at 450ppm – and ultimately 400ppm - and temperature rises kept below 2ºC.
"The cost to our economy would be substantial and long term, making the current financial crisis pale into insignificance," Mr Toni said. "However, there will be great business opportunities if we act quickly."
This position was confirmed this week by a Treasury executive, David Gruen, who said countries that acted later would pay more because more emissions-intensive industry would be locked into place.
"Global investment is redirected to early movers," Mr Gruen said. "In the scenarios modelled, economic costs in 2050 for early movers are around 15 per cent lower than when everyone acts together, while costs for late movers are around 20 per cent higher."
For more information
Alvin Stone, WWF Press Office,
(02) 8202 1259 or 0410 221 068
