IPCC SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT

IPCC SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT

TOPIC: Environment

Context- The second part of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report has warned of multiple climate changes even if steps are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Concept-

• The latest warnings have come in the second part of IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report which talks about climate change impacts, risks and vulnerabilities, and adaptation options.
• The first part report was released in August last year. That one was centered on the scientific basis of climate change.
• The third and final part of the report, which will look into the possibilities of reducing emissions, is expected to come out in April.

What’s new about the Report?

• The latest report has, for the first time, made an assessment of regional and sectoral impacts of climate change.
• It has included risks to, and vulnerabilities of, mega-cities around the world.
• For example, it has said Mumbai is at high risk of sea-level rise and flooding, while Ahmedabad faces serious danger of heat-waves.
• Also for the first time, the IPCC report has looked at the health impacts of climate change.
  • It has found that climate change is increasing vector-borne and water-borne diseases such as malaria or dengue, particularly in sub-tropical regions of Asia.
  • It has also said deaths related to circulatory, respiratory, diabetic and infectious diseases, as well as infant mortality, are likely to increase with a rise in temperature.
  • Increasing frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves, flooding and drought, and even air pollution was contributing to under-nutrition, allergic diseases and even mental disorders.
• If the temperature rise crossed the threshold of 1.5°C from pre-industrial times, then many changes could be irreversible.

*** For further information please refer to DPN 10th August 2021.