In recent years, climate change has become one of the defining issues of our time, and the scientific evidence continues to mount showing the urgent need to take action. As we move into 2022, several important climate reports and findings are expected to be released, providing further insight into this complex and pressing issue. In this blog post, we’ll provide a round-up of some of the most significant climate reports and findings expected in 2022.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report
The IPCC is expected to release its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) in 2022, a comprehensive review of the latest scientific evidence on climate change. The assessment will cover areas such as the physical science of climate change, the impacts of continued warming on ecosystems and human systems, and options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The report is expected to sound the alarm on accelerating climate change, highlight the urgency of action, and provide policy-relevant information.
United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26)
The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) is scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2022. The conference will focus on accelerating action toward the goals of the Paris Agreement, including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and building resilience to the impacts of climate change. COP26 is expected to be a crucial moment in the global response to climate change and will hopefully see increased commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the world’s largest emitters.
Global Methane Assessment
The Global Methane Assessment is a report expected to be released in 2022 developed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The assessment will provide an updated understanding of global methane emissions, highlighting the sources and potential for mitigation. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, so reducing methane emissions is a vital component of the global response to climate change.
NASA’s Carbon Monitoring System
NASA is expected to launch its Carbon Monitoring System (CMS) early in 2022, aimed at monitoring the Earth’s carbon flux and helping to improve our understanding of the carbon cycle. The CMS will provide data to track the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for climate change. The data provided by the CMS will be a crucial tool for policymakers to design effective carbon management policies and measures.
Heat Waves Report
One of the expected conclusions of the IPCC AR6 report is that heatwaves will become more frequent and more intense with continued global warming. A report by Stanford University published in January 2022 found that heat waves in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa are likely to be more severe than previously predicted. This report highlights the urgency of adaptation measures to address the impacts of extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
Ocean Warming Report
Another expected conclusion of the IPCC AR6 report is that oceans are continuing to warm, leading to significant impacts on marine ecosystems and human activities such as fisheries and tourism. A report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) published in February 2022 found that ocean warming is putting millions of people at risk from sea-level rise and coastal flooding, making it a crucial issue for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Global Forest Watch Report
A report by Global Forest Watch published in March 2022 found that the world lost an area of forest the size of Portugal in 2021, mainly due to commercial agriculture and logging. Deforestation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, so reducing deforestation rates is a crucial part of the global response to climate change.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
A report by the Global Carbon Project published in May 2022 found that global greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and industry are set to reach the second-highest level in history in 2022. The report highlights the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.
In conclusion, 2022 was a crucial year for climate science and action. With the expected release of several key reports and findings, we will gain a more comprehensive understanding of the latest climate science and the urgent need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the impacts of climate change. It is incumbent upon all of us to promote and implement measures that improve the health of our environment.