Human use of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas have driven up global temperatures. In fact, the global surface temperature has risen 1.1° Celsius (1.8° Fahrenheit) since 1850. While that may not sound like a lot, it’s already driven widespread and rapid changes in our atmosphere, ocean and living world. It’s also behind many weather and climate extremes that have impacted every region across the globe, including here in Boulder.
Based on current commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions, scientists estimate that the earth will warm more than 1.5° Celsius early in the next decade. Warming at this level disrupts many of the living systems we rely on for food, water, shelter and health. With each degree of warming above 1.5° Celsius, the risk of heat extremes, heavy precipitation, glacier melting and global sea rise go up.
In many countries, policies have made buildings more efficient, reduced rates of deforestation and accelerated the use of new technologies . These efforts have made a measurable impact and slowed climate change, but there is more work to do.
According to the report, the global community must:
While climate change is a global challenge, the report makes clear that all sectors of society, levels of government and individuals have a role to play. In Boulder, we’re taking this responsibility seriously.
Consistent with science and guidance from the IPCC, Boulder seeks to join the global community in reaching net zero carbon by 2035. This means that our community, working to achieve necessary changes at national and global scales, will reduce nearly all its carbon emissions over the next 13 years. For the small amount of emissions that remain, Boulder will plant trees and create healthy soils that absorb them.
How will we get there? In large part, it will depend on each of us doing what we can to drive systems change. Building on the community’s history of environmental action, and on lessons learned in more than 20 years of climate work, now is the moment to ensure that the city’s climate action efforts achieve maximum impact locally and globally.
Moving forward, Boulder’s climate action must continue to reach beyond our city limits. We will have a much greater impact if we work collaboratively across our region on topics that we can influence like Xcel’s energy mix and regional planning.
We must take time to ensure that our investments in climate resilience create a more equitable community, so that those most responsible for emissions pay their fair share. At the same time, our work should benefit everyone in Boulder.
The climate crisis requires each of us to take action in our own lives. The city has developed several guides to help you get started. From using less gas to thrifting for “new” clothes and calling your legislators, there are simple steps we all can take to join this effort.
As the IPCC report makes clear, we have the know-how, tools and community support we need to address the crisis. Let’s get to work. There’s no time to waste.
Stay up to date on the city’s climate projects by signing up for the city’s Climate Initiatives Newsletter.
