Blueprints for action: helping countries meet climate targets

We all know that bold climate action is needed to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5⁰C, set by the Paris Agreement.

Scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have set out exactly what needs to happen to stay in line with that goal. But policy makers and private sector leaders in individual countries need more detailed blueprints to design action plans and set targets. Current carbon reduction plans fall far short of the 1.5⁰C goal.

That’s why the IKEA Foundation is happy to announce a new partnership with Climate Analytics to help countries achieve their climate targets by translating scientific modelling into tangible solutions. As well as limiting the worst impacts of climate change, this will mean people around the world can enjoy a better everyday life through cleaner air and a healthier environment.

Cleaner air

The IPCC has shown how emissions can be brought to zero by mid-century and stay within the small remaining carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

Climate Analytics translates IPCC scientific modelling into guidance for countries and energy-consuming sectors. This enables them to create effective plans to reduce carbon emissions, supports decision making and increases their chances of success.

Bold climate action brings not only reduced impacts but also enormous benefits to people, economies and nature. For example, transitioning away from fossil fuels to renewables would mean much less air pollution, which is very damaging for people’s health. Policies and innovations associated with this transition would also bring more, better quality jobs and, in many cases, end reliance on polluting fossil fuels.

Scientific evidence

Climate Analytics will use the IPCC’s pathways, combined with other scientific evidence, to show how 68 countries can update their emission reduction plans and live up to their promises to prevent dangerous climate change.

Elizabeth McKeon, Head of the Climate Action Portfolio at the IKEA Foundation, said: “Already today, we’ve exhausted 1°C of our 1.5°C budget. We are funding Climate Analytics as part of our commitment to bold climate action because we believe they can play an important role in helping countries stay within that budget and meet the 1.5°C target.”