The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has today released part one of its six-yearly assessment of the science surrounding climate change. The much-anticipated report has made clear that, with 95% certainty, human activity and the connected increase in carbon emissions is the dominant cause of global warming since the 1950s.
Commenting on the key findings of the report, Rachel McEwen, Head of Sustainable Development at SSE said:
The IPCC's key conclusion, that despite short term weather fluctuations there is increased (95%) certainty that human activities are the key cause of global warming since the 1950's, demonstrates that there remains a clear need to reduce carbon emissions worldwide in order to limit the impact of climate change.
"The cost efficient decarbonisation of electricity generation and a reduced dependence on fossil fuels is a logical way to achieve a significant part of this and the conclusions therefore reinforce the need for a clear timetable for the UK to move to low carbon and renewable generation. It also reinforces the ongoing need for an effective and dependable framework to encourage companies who have the expertise and track record of developing renewable energy, like SSE, to continue investing in these technologies beyond 2020."