Posted on 27 October 2014

(GLAND, Switzerland, 27 October, 2014) - As the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) opens the meeting in Copenhagen to approve the final elements of the landmark Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), focus is turning to the effect the report will have on decisions and actions in the near future.
 
Dr Stephan Singer, WWF’s Head of Delegation to the IPCC, says the IPCC is the most comprehensive, credible body of work on climate science currently available. The work of almost 2 000 scientists has gone into this report.  It has been properly revised and reviewed until it has satisfied the scientists and the 195 member governments of the IPCC.
 
“The hallmark of the findings overall is once again that climate change is real and its impacts now threaten our oceans, forests and river systems; food and water security; and even lives and livelihoods. While every part of the world is affected by climate change, the poor and the vulnerable are suffering the greatest impacts.”
 
Samantha Smith, the leader of WWF’s Global Climate and Energy Initiative, said that the report will show that though the need for action is urgent, there is hope. “Governments must move swiftly now to get out of dirty fossil fuels and into renewable energy and energy efficiency. When they do this, we will be able to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Report after report shows that this is what is needed, it is affordable and it will bring multiple benefits in the form of clean air, better health, improved energy access for the poor, and new economic opportunities. 
 
“We will all be watching the UN climate negotiations and see if these governments who have approved this IPCC AR5 report, will reflect these decisions in their discussions as they move towards a new global climate deal in Paris in 2015.”
 
ends
 
For further information, please contact:
 
Mandy Jean Woods mwoods@wwf.org.za / @MandyJeanWoods  / +27 72 393 0027
Dr Stephan Singer ssinger@wwf.panda.org
Sam Smith ssmith@wwf.no  / @pandaclimate
 
About WWF - WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. The Global Climate & Energy Initiative (GCEI) is WWF’s global programme addressing climate change, promoting renewable and sustainable energy, scaling up green finance, engaging the private sector and working nationally and internationally on implementing low carbon, climate resilient development.
 
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