Here Peter Jones conservation and ecosystems officer for RSPB Cymru share his thoughts.
‘September’s newly published IPCC report on climate change from more than 800 scientists confirms previous reports that we are on course with present policies for global average surface temperatures to exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 4C.
The good news is that this outcome is still not inevitable, but only if urgent action is taken by the world’s governments - and all of us, acting individually - to cut our respective greenhouse gas emissions, principally carbon dioxide from the burning of coal, oil and gas to create energy for electricity, heat and transport.
The Climate Change Commission for Wales confirms that ‘the science is sound’ - climate deniers are just plain wrong; the BBC could not find a single British climate scientist to dispute the IPCC findings - and calls on the Welsh Government to show ‘strong leadership’.
Zero-carbon renewable energy technologies – like solar, wind, hydro, tidal - should receive far more support from government than hitherto, including at household and community levels in the form of micro-generation, creating potentially thousands of green jobs across Wales and the UK.
We as individuals can do our bit by: insulating our homes; not being wasteful or inefficient in how we use electricity and gas; by using private cars less, walking, cycling and using public transport more; buying Wales/UK-produced food and goods.
We care about our children and grandchildren, so let us together demand effective climate change policies. And don’t forget - climate change potentially will play havoc with the natural environment and wildlife!’
To find out more about the report and what the Climate Change Commission for Wales is doing lcick here