International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) general secretary Sharan Burrow said the report showed that the world had the capacity to meet the challenge. “Governments need to cease their prevarication and rise to that challenge now,” she said. The IPCC brought together hundreds of reports, which showed that investments in zero and low-carbon energy sources will need to at least triple by 2050.

“These investments are critical for fighting climate change as well as tackling other major priorities such as unemployment,” said Burrow. “Millions of jobs can be created in the renewable energy, building efficiency and public transit sectors. Governments must now send the right signals and show their commitment to a climate-sound and job-friendly transition.”

Burrow said working people were at the forefront of the climate struggle. “Unless we are able to stop dangerous climate change and create sustainable jobs, the dreams of prosperity of millions around the world are at risk. We still have time to make it happen,” she said.

Read our blog by IMPACT member Oisin Coghlan, director of Friends of the Earth.