Statement by Dr. Alondra Nelson on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Working Group III Report

Today, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report underscoring that humanity is not on track to meet the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5° C (2.7° F) or to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Despite more widespread adoption of policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global emissions continue to increase. The IPCC estimates that, with the policies in place at the end of 2020, a global warming of 3.2° C (5.8° F) would occur by 2100.

“The IPCC’s latest findings highlight the urgency of deploying clean energy solutions and accelerating new technologies that can capture, store, and remove carbon from the atmosphere. We know what we need to do, and we can meet our climate and clean energy goals if we act now,” said Dr. Alondra Nelson, head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

“We are committed to cutting U.S. emissions in half by the end of the decade, reaching 100% clean electricity by 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The President’s policies have helped launch a new American offshore wind energy industry, and an electric vehicle industry that’s made in America. And this Administration has made historic investments in clean energy science and technology innovation in energy storage, clean hydrogen, carbon removal, and even potential gamechangers like fusion.

“Climate change is an equity issue, with the wealthiest households and nations disproportionately generating greenhouse gas emissions, and climate impacts disproportionately affecting those who have contributed least to the problem.

“Today’s report is another reminder that this decade must be the inflection point. This is the moment for bold climate leadership by governments, and for collective action to adopt new, affordable technologies at mass scale to meet this global crisis. The science is clear; now we must act.”

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