The report warns that the world is inching close to the point of no return.

In the last several years, several world scientific organizations, with the backing of the United Nations, have been performing extensive research on the current state of global climate change, including its gradual impacts, what it could lead to, and how long we have until the process becomes irreversible. According to a new report from the UN-backed Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, that deadline is getting closer.

The findings of this new report reflect studies and findings conducted by various organizations over the last few years, though when assembled in a single place, they paint a stark picture: the world is getting harder to live in, and those in poorer, less developed countries will be hit hardest.

“The climate time-bomb is ticking,” said António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations. “Humanity is on thin ice – and that ice is melting fast,” he added.

“This report is the most dire and troubling assessment yet of the spiraling climate impacts we all face if systemic changes are not made now,” said Sara Shaw, program coordinator at Friends of the Earth International.

“We have never been better equipped to solve the climate challenge – but we must move into warp speed #ClimateAction now.

We don’t have a moment to lose.”

– @antonioguterres on latest @IPCC_CH report. https://t.co/q1DpjemK49 pic.twitter.com/5WsFm4ieWA

— United Nations (@UN) March 20, 2023

“Our planet is already reeling from severe climate impacts, from scorching heat waves and destructive storms to severe droughts and water shortages,” said Ani Dasgupta, president and CEO of World Resources Institute, in a statement.

Many changes will be necessary to bring the world back from the brink, according to the report, the absolute first and foremost being a gradual weaning from reliance on fossil fuels and urgent research into new energy alternatives.