The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) released a report on Tuesday with a warning that hotter climates could lead to a meltdown similar to the financial crisis in 2008. Politicians and policymakers are now being urged to change their views on climate change in order to avoid war, famine and large-scale migration. Human activity is said to be rapidly unsettling natural weather systems and the IPPR is calling for action to be taken urgently.
The report said: “In the extreme, environmental breakdown could trigger catastrophic breakdown of human systems, driving a rapid process of ‘runaway collapse’ in which economic, social and political shocks cascade through the globally linked system – in much the same way as occurred in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2007/08.
“Policymakers and politicians are not adequately recognising, let alone responding to the catastrophic threat posed by environmental change.”
Poorer countries are reportedly more susceptible to the devastating consequences of changing climates, as they are less able to prepare for the worst outcome.
People with the power to help stop environmental damage worsening need to acknowledge how quickly the environmental changes are happening, as well as realise the detrimental impact this is already having on societies.
The report also mentioned those with the power to make change should not let their “vested interests” stop progress being made.
Investors in fossil fuels could see their carbon assets lose value as a result of the environmental damage.
The report said: “Elite interests in countries across the world, including industries whose business model depends on continued environmental degradation, use their considerable power and wealth to influence political debates and policy decisions on environmental breakdown, with many instances of groups blocking or reversing progress.
“It is estimated that 100 companies are responsible for the emission of 71 percent of industrial greenhouse gases since 1988.”