Christian Aid response to IPCC report on oceans and cryosphere .

In response to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report on the Ocean and Cryosphere, Christian Aid’s Global Climate Lead, Dr Kat Kramer said:
 
“This report must act as a clarion call to end our continuing pursuit of fossil fuels which are causing huge harm to the world’s oceans.
 
“Not only are fossil fuels a source of ubiquitous plastic waste, they are the main source of the CO₂ that is killing coral reefs through global heating and ocean acidification. These stunning ecosystems are where some of the greatest biodiversity on the planet resides, and at least 500 million people globally rely on coral reefs for food, coastal protection and livelihoods. Yet more than 99% of them are set to decline with a 2ºC increase in warming, and we’re currently on track for at least 3ºC.
 
She added: “The waters from Himalayan glaciers sustain 1.65 billion people in the region, yet a quarter of the ice has been lost in the last four decades and 8 billion tonnes of ice are being lost every year.  People rely on the cryosphere for water, for hydroelectricity and irrigation, and these are also at threat in other regions. The loss of these stores of fresh water will be devastating for many, many communities.
 
“The climate crisis is a reality, we need leaders to show us they understand this and bring an end to the fossil fueled era as soon as possible.”

25 September 2019