As the crisis unfolds in Ukraine, we are dedicating this week to unpacking some of the climate and weather connections and providing you with reliable information. Here is a thread of ways to stand with Ukraine.
Last night Ukraine sustained several more major attacks from Russian forces. Today, initial talks between Russia and Ukraine concluded without result. Currently, Russian forces have almost
fully encircled the Ukrainian Capital, Kyiv.
Despite these devastating attacks, making it feel like the whole world should be put on pause, the climate crisis continues to push forward. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
released part two of the Sixth Assessment Report today, Feb. 28.
The report is bleak, but not hopeless, stating that climate impacts are moving more rapidly than scientists had previously predicted but that we have the solutions to ward off the worst-case scenario. That window for action is rapidly closing. The report’s release and findings can not be separated from the war unfolding in Ukraine.
Ukrainian climate scientists, under the threat of bomb attacks,
were forced to quit meetings prior to the report’s release. Russian official, Oleg Anisimov,
apologized on behalf of the Russian people at the final IPCC report meeting.
While addressing colleges at the close of the IPCC meeting, Ukrainian scientist, Svitlana Krakovsk, explained the tie between the war and climate.
“Someone could question us that IPCC is not a political body, and should only assess science related to climate change. Let me assure you that this human-induced climate change and war against Ukraine have direct connections and the same roots. They are fossil fuels and humanity’s dependence on them,”
said Krakovska.
— Abbie Veitch
