Statement: New IPCC climate solutions report calls for an end to fossil fuels

Media Contacts
Matt Casale

Former Director, Environment Campaigns, PIRG

BOSTON — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released on Monday a new report on climate solutions and mitigation. This is the third and final installment of the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, coming on the heels of February’s climate impact’s report and last summer’s report on the physical science of climate change.

According to the new report, all sectors of the economy have opportunities to at least halve emissions by 2030, but doing so will require major transitions, including phasing out the use of fossil fuels. The next few years are critical: If nations act now, the worst effects of climate change can still be avoided. 

In response, PIRG Environment Campaigns Director Matt Casale issued the following statement: 

“The solutions to climate change are at our fingertips. The latest IPCC report confirms what we already know: It’s time to retire and replace coal-fired power plants and oil-based transportation systems, and stop investing in methane gas infrastructure. We need to make smarter, more sustainable choices, like investing in solar panels, wind farms and electrical storage capacity. We need fewer diesel and gas-powered vehicles and more electric vehicle charging stations and electric buses.

The IPCC report has led us to the water, now state and federal governments in the U.S. need to drink. There is no better time than the present to start taking action to ensure a healthy climate and a liveable future.”

Environment America’s Destination: Zero Carbon Campaign Director Morgan Folger said:

“Halving climate pollution by 2030 is a tough goal, but it’s possible. In America, the transportation sector is the leading source of climate pollution and it presents the biggest opportunity to phase out fossil fuels. Growing our share of electric buses, cars, trucks and ferries will zero out tailpipe pollution and get us on track to meet the emissions targets outlined in the IPCC report. As a country, we drive more than any other, so getting off fossil fuels for our transportation sector will have a significant global impact on the climate crisis.” 

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