The future looks bleak if drastic action is not taken to mitigate climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, according to the latest findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the leading global authority on climate science.
Published last week, the report states that “unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5 °C or even 2 °C will be beyond reach”. The consequences of which would have serious implications for agriculture and health, causing more extreme weather events and natural disasters.
The world’s leading scientists issue a stark warning to governments about the risks of inadequate commitment in the lead-up to the COP 26 climate talks in Glasgow this year. Given the importance of reaching these milestones, ISO is developing a Climate Action Kit to help its members engage with their governments and policy makers to accelerate climate change solutions.
International Standards are an integral part of the climate action matrix, by providing internationally agreed innovations, measures, guidelines and best practice. They are also fundamental to supporting new technologies, such as those for renewable energies and environmental management. These include ISO 14064 for quantifying greenhouse gas emissions, ISO 14067 for calculating the carbon footprint of products and ISO 14080 for effective methodologies on climate actions. A number of standards supporting green and sustainable finance are also making an entrance in the investment market.
Commenting on the urgency of climate action, ISO Secretary-General Sergio Mujica said International Standards need to be part of the coordinated response, now more than ever in the lead-up to COP 26. “This is an opportunity to reinforce the role of International Standards in climate change policy and in meeting the commitments of the Paris Agreement,” he said.
We know that International Standards play a vital role in supporting the solutions that bring greenhouse gas emissions down. Furthermore, they are crucial to helping governments implement proactive policies to achieve their urgently needed climate change agendas.
The COP 26 summit will bring together all parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement. It will take place from 31 October to 12 November 2021 in Glasgow, UK.