Climate change is one of society's greatest threats. This was an overview presentation given on the science and solutions to a student audience at the World Bank on January 15, 2015, to inspire youth to take on climate change. The presentation was given as part of a workshop at which Lucia Grenna introduced the Connect4Climate program and Rachel Kyte, Vice President and Special Envoy for Climate Change at the World Bank, gave a personal account of what is need to take on the challenge, considering that 2015 is such an important year. The students went on do discuss their role for climate action, and brainstormed how best to enhance the Sport4Climate initiative of Connect4Climate.

1. UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE

2. “The scientific case for prioritizing
action on climate change is clearer
than ever…
Beyond a certain point, human
society cannot cope with the
change…
The IPCC has drawn up a very clear
rationale for society to deal with this
problem.”
- Dr Rajendra Pachauri,
IPCC Chairman

3. 2014 is the Warmest Year on Record

4. The Ice is Melting
Source: IPCC

5. Some Observed Changes and Their Causes
There is unequivocal evidence for climate
warming
Ocean warming accounts for over 90% of the
energy accumulated on Earth between 1971 and
2010
Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide,
methane, and nitrous oxide now far surpass
greenhouse gas levels recorded in the ice cores
over the last 800,000 years
Since the beginning of industrialization oceans
are 26% more acidic
The amounts of snow and ice have diminished
around the world
From 1901 to 2010, global mean sea level rose
by around 0.19 m
Changes in extreme weather and climate events
have been observed since the 1950s.
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Source: IPCC

6. It’s Mankind, Stupid!
Source: IPCC

7. Our
Emissions

8. What Does the
Future Look Like?
Source: IPCC

9. 9
“A 4°C warmer world can, and must
be, avoided – we need to hold
warming below 2°C.”
- Jim Yong Kim
President, The World Bank Group
We Need to Act Now

10. How do we Take On Climate Change?
Build Resilience (adaptation)
Invest in managing the climate induced changes
already committed to with 1.5°C warming
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2 Reach net zero emissions by 2100 (mitigation)
Transform economies:
• Put a price on carbon
• Remove fossil fuel subsidies
• Accelerate renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Prevent deforestation and enhance carbon sinks
• Build livable low-carbon cities and clean transport
• Implement climate-smart agriculture

11. Leave the fossil fuels in the ground
“We are seeing more and more the
realization that investment in fossil
fuel is actually a high risk, is getting
more and more risky.”
- Christiana Figueres,
Head of United Nation Framework
Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)

12. #TakeOn #ClimateChange
@Connect4Climate
@WorldBank
@RKyte365
@LuciaGrenna
@maxthabiso
#Action2015
#Sport4Climate
#Action4Climate
#ClimateAction
Email: medkins@worldbankgroup.org