MEDIA RELEASE: Humanity Edges Toward Perilous Planetary Limits: 2023 Declared Hottest Year

Humanity Edges Toward Perilous Planetary Limits: 2023 Declared Hottest Year

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, January 9, 2024
MEDIA CONTACT: Cathy Orlando cathy@citizensclimate.org 705-929-4043

In a resounding declaration of urgency, 2023 has been officially marked as the hottest year on record. Analysis shows that 2023 was 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.66 F) warmer than the 1850-1900 pre-industrial reference level with close to half of the days in 2023 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit. Two days in November featured days that were more than 2°C warmer for the first time on record, alarming experts.

Disturbingly, humanity has breached six of the nine critical planetary boundaries essential for our sustained existence on this planet. Crossing these thresholds significantly escalates the likelihood of irreversible environmental upheavals, demanding immediate and concerted action.

The evidence is indisputable: our current trajectory imperils the very fabric of our future. The prevailing economic model, fixated on short-term gains, systematically sacrifices nature and human well-being. However, this dire narrative is not preordained; it can be rewritten.

The imperative for change is starkly clear: redirect financial flows toward a sustainable and equitable world. To forge this path, a call to action resonates:

1. Polluters Must Pay: Holding polluters accountable by pricing greenhouse gases and returning the revenues to households as we transition the economy is non-negotiable. There is no policy more powerful that will reduce greenhouse emissions at the rate needed while simultaneously supporting households through the transition.
2. Tax Reform: To fund all climate-related programs domestically and internationally, significant tax reform is essential. In Canada, Taxes and the Path to a Green Economy from the Canadians for Tax Fairness is an excellent resource. Globally, the go-to resource is the Joint Task Force on International Taxation.
3. Financial System Reform: The financial sector—encompassing main street banks, multilateral development banks, and insurance entities—must divest from fossil fuel projects. Aligning with the science of a 1.5°C planet necessitates a 40% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and achieving genuine net-zero by 2040. Canadians need look no further than Bill S-243, the Climate-Aligned Finance Act, that is making its way through the Canadian senate, currently.

This monumental task demands cooperation both within the Canadian Confederation and globally and must be founded upon principles of human rights and inclusive civic engagement. Our collective transformation isn’t an abstract aspiration; it’s an imperative for survival.

“We’re not just charting a course toward a better future; we’re securing our survival,” remarked Cathy, Orlando. “It’s incumbent upon us to forge a world where humanity and nature coexist symbiotically.”

This transformation isn’t just a lofty ambition; it’s a necessity for our survival. It’s our responsibility to ensure a world where humanity and nature coexist harmoniously.

About Citizens’ Climate Lobby Canada: Since 2010 we have empowered every day citizens to lobby their parliamentarians for liveable world over 2000 times. Persons  interested in joining us can explore our website at canada.citizensclimatelobby.org and sign-up for our onboarding calls in February and March. Links are found on the home page of the website.

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