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We have 12 years to avoid irreversible damages to the globe

The release of the latest report on climate change from an a United Nations panel has sparked much interest around the world.

Bushfire
Fire crews back burn areas of bushland at Salt Ash, in the NSW Hunter region, on Sunday, August 19, 2018. Source: AAP Image/Darren Pateman

The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, report released this week cites more than 6,000 scientific studies. It says there will be benefits to people and ecosystems if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees instead of two degrees.

And, from an Australian point of view, the panel says there is a chance to save up to 30% of the Great Barrier Reef if the use of coal is phased out globally by 2040.

But drastic changes to people's lifestyles will be needed to achieve such targets within the required timeframe. Why? WWF Italy specialist on climate issues, Mariagrazia Midulla, commented the report.

Despite the alert, many Western Governments chose not to implement their environment policies, including Australia and the US. Here is what PM Scott Morrison said.

"Look, we'll look at the report carefully. The government of Australia has its commitments. They are set down. 26 per cent by 2030, we'll meet those commitments just like we've met Kyoto One and we'll meet Kyoto Two. We have our policies and plans in place to achieve that, whether it's the small or the large scale red or the various other measures we have in place. We'll look at this report. It was only a year ago the same report said that the mix of policies Australia had was right on the money."

But, are the consequences and how are countries re-thinking their strategy towards sustainable energy. Environmental Engineer, Emiliano Moroni, joined the conversation.

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1 min read

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Updated

By Francesca Valdinoci, Francesca Rizzoli




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