“The game is already lost. This is how the latest United Nations report on the state of the planet is summed up. Glaciers, the first victims of global warming are no longer “threatened” they are now “doomed” according to scientists from the WMO, the World Meteorological Organization.
In its report, the WMO explains that the average temperature of the planet is already 1.15°C above pre-industrial standards (1850-1900). Another alarming figure for the WMO is the acceleration of “record data”. Thus, the last eight years that we have known are the warmest ever measured.
The Earth is warming up well, but this situation is getting worse day by day. In its latest climate report, IPCC experts were already sounding the same alarm bell. This week, the OMM is particularly interested in the consequences of global warming for glaciers.
Glaciers are melting faster and faster
In its report, the OMM also makes a history of the melting of the glaciers. According to the data collected by the organization, the melting of the ice would already be nearly 30 meters over the last 50 years. For the first time, the European Alps saw no summer snow.
This lack of renewal is a first, even on the highest altitude sites. It worries scientists who may have underestimated the speed of global warming. In addition continental massifsthe two poles are sensitive regions, closely monitored.
But there again, the game is already lost. For Petteri Taalas, Secretary General of the WMO, the record sea level and the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air have already reached thresholds preventing any return. “Glaciers are doomed”.
Renewable energies: our last hope?
“Regardless of our will, the situation will continue to get worse until 2060.” After this date, humanity still has its future in its hands. If the game is lost for the glaciers, there are still grounds for hope. WMO scientists were particularly pleased with the drop in the cost of “green” energy in recent months.
Today the kWh costs about the same price (worldwide), regardless of its means of production. A real advantage for solar and wind power, which will become the two major means of production in the coming years. Wanting to be positive following the publication of this report, Taalas delivered encouraging conclusions.
Unlike the IPCC, it estimates that the most likely scenario would be global warming of around 3°C. “The 1.5°C is always achievable” according to him. From a financial point of view, the WMO report shows that ecology and economy can go hand in hand. Taalas explains that 32 countries have reduced their environmental impact without experiencing economic decline.
