IPBES, IPCC Joint Winners of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2022 Dedicated to Climate Change — Global Issues
Nairobi, October 13 (IPS) – The IPBES Assessment Report on Sustainable Use of Wild Species, published in July 2022, paints a disturbing picture of the biodiversity crisis The ongoing global learning can cripple economies and jeopardize food security and livelihoods.
Earlier in February 2022, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) painted a worryingly similar picture: warning that every tenth of an additional warming could increase threats to people, species and ecosystems.
IPBES and IPCC both provide scientific knowledge, warn society about climate change and biodiversity loss, and inform decision-makers to make better choices in combating climate change. climate change and loss of biodiversity. By doing so, they provide the tools to promote a low-carbon future, mitigate the negative effects of climate change, and promote a resilient society.
Because of their contributions to climate change adaptation and resilience building, IPBES and IPCC today (October 13, 2022) appeared the winners Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity 2022is dedicated to climate change.
“The decision to award the 2022 Gulbenkian Prize to Humanity to both the IPBES and the IPCC is a powerful statement affirming the global loss of species, the destruction of ecosystems, and the degradation of the contributions of nature versus man represents a crisis not only to the same extent as said Anne Larigauderie, Executive Secretary of IPBES, who received the award along with Hoesung Lee, IPCC President.
“The unifying message from both our communities of experts is that together we must address and address the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis – or we will fail on both. two fronts”.
In addition, Lee emphasized that science is “our most powerful tool for dealing with climate change, a clear and imminent threat to our lives and livelihoods, safety of our planet and all its species. For IPCC scientists, this award is an important recognition and encouragement. For decision-makers, it is another impetus for more decisive climate actions.”
IPBES is an independent, intergovernmental body established in 2012 with the goal of improving the interface between scientific knowledge and political decision-makers on questions surrounding biodiversity, ecosystem protection, human welfare and sustainability.
The IPCC, 2007 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, together with Al Gore, is an organization affiliated with the United Nations that supports the production of scientific knowledge within the scope of assessing the climate impacts of climate action. people and support governments in their decisions- to develop and implement measures that can combat climate change.
Two institutions – IPBES and IPCC – were selected out of 116 nominations from 41 countries across five continents. Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, chaired the jury along with vice president Miguel Bastos Araújo (Geographer, Pessoa Prize 2018).
Ms. Merkel attended the award ceremony, as did António Feijó, President of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which presented the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity in 2020.
Focusing on climate change, Feijó explains, was a very simple decision: “Climate change and all that this charity does, they represent a condition of human existence. “
Ms. Merkel reiterated the importance of focusing on climate change, acknowledging the controversies that often surround the decisions being made and the many policies on the table for the potential way forward.
“Science is the most important link. Scientific evidence cannot be removed from the equation. We may have our own political views, but I believe we must make the right decisions to ensure the survival of humanity,” said Merkel.
Ms. Merkel further stressed that humanity is currently facing two crises, biodiversity loss and climate change, emphasizing the connection between them.
On biodiversity, Larigauderie spoke of the 2019 Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, which warns the world that one million species, out of a total of eight million, plants and animals, now facing extinction – many within decades.
The degradation of nature is affecting the ability of ecosystems to perform some of the key functions central to human existence, including the ability to mitigate against change, she said. climate and achieve food security.
The jury, which includes leading figures in global climate and environmental research and action, highlighted how this award recognizes the role science plays on the front lines of climate change. climate and loss of biodiversity.
Recognizing that “evidence-based science is not only the fundamental underpinning for many political and public actions, but also the need to define ‘urgency’ for the ways in which the agenda political approach to combating the climate crisis”.
In this regard, Larigauderie and Lee express their gratitude to the thousands of scientists and indigenous and local knowledge people who have volunteered their time and expertise to provide research strongly on climate change and biodiversity.
“I can say that our reports are the most authoritative, scientific voice of the United Nations on climate change. They provide world leaders and decision-makers at all levels with the most rigorous and well-reviewed scientific knowledge about our climate system, climate change, and climate change. how to solve it,” Lee commented.
“The award comes at a pivotal time for climate change science. IPCC reports are clear and unambiguous. Climate change is man-made, widespread, rapid and increasing. Today, we are not on track to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Against this backdrop, the jury emphasized that the IPBES and IPCC stand out in highlighting the relationship between “science, climate, biodiversity and society, representing the best that is done in the field around the world.”
As a result, the jury recognized how the two organizations serve to emphasize “the need to consider combining the climate crisis and biodiversity, with coordinated approaches that aim to use nature-based solutions”.
With an annual cash award of 1 million euros, the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity recognizes people, groups or organizations globally who have made outstanding, innovative and impactful contributions to reducing and respond to climate change.
This is the third edition of the Gulbenkian Prize for Humanity. It was first awarded in 2020 to young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. In 2021, the Prize is presented to the Climate and Energy Mayor Pact, the largest global coalition of climate leadership in cities, comprising more than 10,600 cities and local governments from 140 countries. , including Portugal.
Report of the United Nations Office IPS
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