By Samantha Semoso – EMTV Online
Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, a member and vice-chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change for the past seven years, is now running for the role of chair, to succeed Dr Rajendra Pachauri who recently stepped down from the position.
During a flying visit to New Zealand, van Ypersele said he understands the frustrations of the Pacific Island states that face the consequences of sea level rise.
He also said developed countries have the power to reduce the rate of global warming, and expressed confidence that change can be achieved. However, van Ypersele admits it’s too late to stop the rise in sea levels in the coming decades.
“But it’s not late to avoid the most extreme levels that could happen at the end of the century. In other words, the choices that we make in the coming few decades in terms of greenhouse gas emissions will determine the time in which sea level rises and the fate of those countries by the end of the century. It is possible to change course.”
