2014 warmest year on record – countries must act
Figures released by the World Meterological Organisation today show that 2014 is set to be the warmest year on record globally. It is also likely to be the warmest year ever in Scotland [1]. Friends of the Earth Scotland Director, Dr Richard Dixon commented:
“These figures are yet more evidence that the planet is warming and we are changing the climate. Thirteen of the fourteen hottest years on record have all occurred since the turn of the century highlighting the clear warming trend, as predicted by climate science. “
“Increasing temperatures will lead to more unpredictable and extreme weather events both at home and around the world. The consequences for Scotland are likely to be more flooding, droughts and storms. Impacts on the global south are likely to more extreme including crop failures, rising sea levels and drastic water shortages.”
Almost 200 nations are meeting in Peru for the latest round of the United Nations negotiations to agree a deal to tackle climate change. World leaders have agreed that we should not let temperatures rise by above 2°C, yet the latest UN report suggests that we are on course for an 7.8°C by the end of the century if we continue business as usual.
“This news should provide extra impetus to those in Lima seeking to agree a deal on cutting the dangerous emissions responsible for these temperature rises. Lima should establish a framework for an ambitious agreement to tackle climate change to be signed in Paris next year. The richest countries are most responsible for climate change and must urgently make the deepest emission cuts. Wealthier states should also agree to provide financial and technical support to developing nations to help adapt to this changing climate.”
Friends of the Earth Scotland will be represented at the negotiations by Head of Campaigns Mary Church.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
1. Scotland on track for warmest year – http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/2014-warmest-year
2. World Meterological Organisation announcement – https://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_1009_en.html
3. World Meterological Organisation’s Annual Climate Statement Highlights Extreme Events http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_985_en.html
4. The next UN climate conference, preparing the way for the Paris talks, began in Lima on the 1st December. http://newsroom.unfccc.int
5. A summary of the IPCC Synthesis report http://goo.gl/ZEXrAc
6. Mary Church will be available for interview and will be contributing to a regular blog as part of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland hosted at bellacaledonia.org.uk
7. Friends of the Earth Scotland is:
* Scotland's leading environmental campaigning organisation
* An independent Scottish charity with a network of thousands of supporters and active local groups across Scotland
* Part of the largest grassroots environmental network in the world, uniting over 2 million supporters, 74 national member groups, and some 5,000 local activist groups.
www.foe-scotland.org.uk