Context
∙ A new study based on estimates of warming from palaeo-thermometry, have said that the earth’s surface has already warmed by more than 1.5 degrees C on average over pre-industrial levels.
Background of 1.5 degrees C threshold
∙ The 1.5 degrees C is not a scientific threshold. It became enshrined in the Paris Agreement after negotiations by member-countries of the UNFCCC.
Global warming
∙ It refers to the long-term heating of Earth’s climate system observed since the pre-industrial period (between 1850 and 1900), primarily due to human activities.
∙ This process releases greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing the planet to warm.
Causes
∙ Greenhouse gases: These gases absorb and re-emit infrared radiation from the sun, trapping heat in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main culprit, followed by methane, nitrous oxide, and others.
∙ Fossil fuel burning: Burning coal, oil, and natural gas releases large amounts of CO2, the primary driver of global warming.
∙ Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2, so their removal contributes to higher atmospheric levels.
∙ Other human activities: Industrial processes, agriculture, and land-use changes also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
Effects
∙ Rising global temperatures: The average global temperature has already risen by about 1 degree Celsius since the pre-industrial era, with further warming expected in the future.
∙ Climate change: More extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, floods, wildfires, and intense storms are becoming more frequent and severe.
∙ Sea level rise: Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of oceans are causing sea levels to rise, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
∙ Ocean acidification: Increased CO2 absorption by oceans makes them more acidic, harming marine life.
∙ Changes in plant and animal life: Species are being forced to adapt or migrate due to changing temperatures and ecosystems.
- Measures to address global warming
Mitigation:
∙ Energy transition: Rapidly shift to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydro power.
∙ Sustainable land management: Protect forests, restore degraded land, and adopt sustainable agricultural practices that reduce emissions and store carbon.
∙ Circular economy: Transition to a circular economy where resources are reused and recycled, minimizing waste and associated emissions.
∙ Technological innovation: Invest in research and development of clean technologies for various sectors, like carbon capture and storage, advanced biofuels, and green hydrogen.
Adaptation:
∙ Early warning systems: Develop and implement effective early warning systems for extreme weather events to enable timely preparedness and response.
∙ Climate-resilient infrastructure: Build and manage infrastructure like dams, water management systems, and coastal defenses to withstand the impacts of rising sea levels, floods, and storms.
∙ Climate-smart agriculture: Develop and adopt agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change and drought, ensuring food security.
∙ Disaster risk reduction: Invest in programs that reduce vulnerability to disasters and enable communities to recover quickly and effectively.
∙ Social safety nets: Implement social protection programs to support vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.
International cooperation:
∙ Global agreements: Strengthen international agreements like the Paris Agreement, ensuring ambitious emissions reduction targets and effective implementation mechanisms.
∙ Technology transfer and financial support: Developed countries should support developing countries in their mitigation and adaptation efforts through technology transfer, financial assistance, and capacity building.
Individual action:
∙ Reduce carbon footprint: Make conscious choices to reduce energy consumption in your daily life, opt for sustainable transportation, and consume less.
∙ Support climate-friendly businesses: Choose products and services from companies committed to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact.
∙ Advocate for action: Raise awareness about climate change and advocate for policies that support mitigation and adaptation efforts.
Way Ahead:
∙ The urgency of addressing climate change is widely recognized, but the pace of action remains insufficient to meet international targets for emissions reductions.
∙ The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned of severe consequences if we fail to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
