Grand Seminar on IPCC report on Climate Change with a focus on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability

By li [dot] strandberg [at] iiiee [dot] lu [dot] se (Li Strandberg) - published 10 March 2022

The IPCC report with a blue but cloudy sky behind. Photo.

Kes McCormick from the IIIEE moderated a grand seminar at Lund University on the IPCC report “Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability“ and, in the light of the recent report from the Swedish National Expert Council for Climate Adaptation. Presentations and discussions focused on the implications in the context of Sweden. “In others words what does it all mean for Sweden and in Sweden, but also what role can Sweden play in a global perspective”, commented Kes McCormick.

At the event, Kes McCormick acknowledged the current events in Ukraine. “Lund University has made clear statements that we stand with the people of Ukraine and for peace. The invasion of Ukraine also highlights that we cannot possibly undertake ambitious climate action and sustainable development without peace and prosperity for all. And many commentators have highlighted, that now more than ever, we must break-free from fossil fuels.”

“Turning to the recent IPCC report. Well, a new film on Netflix has told us all “Don’t Look Up” … and it’s fair to say the same applies to this IPCC report … “Don’t Peak Inside This Report” … it’s a stark reminder of the climate crisis and the immense impacts it is having and will have on humanity and the planet.” explained Kes McCormick. But this IPCC report also strongly defines pathways to avoid and adapt to global warming.

The event proceeded with perspectives from leading researchers at Lund University, including several of which are authors in the recent IPCC report. These researchers delved into what is in this report, what it means from a Swedish perspective and in the bigger picture, and key actions and inspirations for moving forwards. This event was co-organized by the national Strategic Research Areas BECC and MERGE, the Thematic Collaboration Initiative LU Land, and the Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS).