Scientists Warn We Are ‘Firmly’ On Track Towards Being On An ‘Unliveable World’

United Nations climate experts say Earth is facing a race against time to ensure the planet has a 'liveable future' that is capable of sustaining human life.

The grim warning from the UN says we have less than three years to halt the rise of carbon emissions that raise the planet's temperature, and less than a decade to slash the current levels by almost half.

If we don't do that, then we could face 'catastrophic' consequences.

The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has lambasted 'lying' politicians and their 'litany of broken promises' as the clock runs down to avoid lethal temperature rises.

Jenny Matthews / Alamy Stock Photo

“Some government and business leaders are saying one thing, but doing another," UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.

"Simply put: They are lying. And the results will be catastrophic.”

Guterres said scientists have warned the planet is 'already perilously close to tipping points that could lead to cascading and irreversible climate impacts'.  

"But high-emitting governments and corporations are not just turning a blind eye; they are adding fuel to the flames," he added.

"They are choking our planet, based on their vested interests and historic investments in fossil fuels, when cheaper, renewable solutions provide green jobs, energy security, and greater price stability."

IPCC chief Hoesung Lee said 'we are at a crossroads' as a planet, as decisions we make now will directly impact a liveable global future.

"We have the tools and know-how required to limit warming," he said, urging world leaders to put it to good use.

The IPCC's 2,800-page report is the most comprehensive assessment ever produced of how to halt global heating.

So what is the first electricity-powered cab off the rank for the UN's global warming to-do list? Stop greenhouse gas emissions from increasing.

IPCC

This must be done by 2025 if there is any hope of keeping within the Paris Agreement's less ambitious targets.

AP reports that a 1.1C of warming so far has ushered in a surge of deadly extreme weather across the globe, such as flash floods, extreme heat, more intense hurricanes and longer-burning wildfires.

Scientists warn that any rise above 1.5C risks the collapse of ecosystems and the triggering of irreversible shifts in the climate system.

To achieve that target, the IPCC's report said carbon emissions need to be slashed 43 per cent by 2030 and a further 84 per cent by 2050.

Imperial College London professor and co-chair of the working group behind the report Jim Skea said it's 'now or never'.

“Without immediate and deep emissions reductions across all sectors, it will be impossible," he said.