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The science is clear: we are running out of time. Every fraction of a degree matters, and every action we take—or fail to take—will determine the future of our children.

Alok Sharma (politician)

Op-ed in *The Times* ahead of COP26, October 2021 · Gecheckt op 4 maart 2026
The science is clear: we are running out of time. Every fraction of a degree matters, and every action we take—or fail to take—will determine the future of our children.

Analyse

The statement reflects key findings from the **IPCC AR6 (2021)**, which emphasizes that limiting warming to 1.5°C requires immediate, large-scale reductions in emissions, and that each 0.1°C increment worsens climate impacts (e.g., extreme weather, sea-level rise). The 'running out of time' framing is supported by research showing current trajectories exceed safe thresholds (e.g., *Nature*, 2021). The intergenerational equity aspect is also well-established in climate ethics literature (e.g., UNFCCC principles).

Achtergrond

The IPCC’s 2021 report declared a **'code red for humanity'**, warning that global temperatures could hit 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by the **early 2030s** without drastic action. COP26 (Glasgow) was a critical juncture for nations to commit to stronger NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), though outcomes fell short of the 1.5°C goal. Sharma, as COP26 President, frequently cited IPCC data to urge ambition.

Samenvatting verdict

Alok Sharma’s claim aligns with the overwhelming scientific consensus on climate urgency, as documented in IPCC reports and peer-reviewed studies.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— IPCC AR6 Working Group I Report (2021): *Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis* (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/)
— UNFCCC. (2021). *Nationally Determined Contributions Under the Paris Agreement* (https://unfccc.int/NDCs)
— Turetsky, M. R., et al. (2021). *Global carbon budget 2021*. *Earth System Science Data*, 13(11), 1–47. (https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-1-2021)
— The Times. (2021, October). *Alok Sharma: COP26 is our last best hope* (op-ed archive, paywalled: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/)
— UNEP. (2021). *Emissions Gap Report 2021* (https://www.unep.org/emissions-gap-report-2021)