Although misunderstood many times, “climate change” is simply continuing alterations in long-term temperature and atmospheric conditions. While natural factors like fluctuations in solar activity and significant volcanic eruptions can contribute to such changes, the primary driver of climate change since the 1800s has been human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, resulting in the emission of greenhouse gases that not only entrap the sun’s warmth but also elevate global temperatures.
The key greenhouse gases responsible for driving climate change are carbon dioxide and methane, gases produced through activities such as using gasoline to power vehicles or coal to heat buildings. Additionally, deforestation and land clearance release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. While sectors like agriculture and oil and gas operations are prominent sources of methane emissions, others, including energy, industry, transportation, construction, and land management, significantly contribute to emissions and collectively aggravate the problem.
What is worse, it is human activities that have been identified by climate scientists as the primary drivers of global warming. Over the past two centuries, these activities have resulted in the emission of greenhouse gases, leading to a rapid increase in global temperatures, unlike any other over two millenia.
Presently, the Earth’s surface temperature has surged by approximately 1.1°C, compared to the late 1800s—prior to the industrial revolution—and surpasses temperatures observed over the past 100,000 years. The last decade (2011-2020) was the warmest on record, with the preceding four decades being warmer than any in the period since 1850.
While many associate “climate change” with increasing temperatures, this only marks the beginning. The Earth operates as an interconnected system, where alterations to one aspect can trigger repercussions throughout the entire system.
The consequences of climate change comprise a range of issues, including but not limited to severe droughts, water scarcity, intense wildfires, rising sea levels, floods, the melting of polar ice, catastrophic storms, and a decline in biodiversity. These effects underscore the urgency of addressing and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
The impacts are being felt in various ways by people world wide. It is also impacting our health, food production, housing, safety, and livelihoods. Incidentally, certain individuals and communities are more susceptible to these impacts, notably those residing in small island nations and those from developing countries. Some regions have already witnessed adverse effects, such as sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion, necessitating the relocation of entire communities. Similarly, prolonged droughts pose a severe risk of famine. In the future, there is a likelihood of witnessing a growing number of people displaced due to weather-related events. A 2022 review published in “Nature Climate Change” showed that of 375 infectious diseases studied, 218 (58%) were aggravated by climate change.
Each incremental rise in global temperatures holds significance. A consensus among thousands of scientists and government experts, as conveyed in various UN reports, emphasizes that limiting global temperature increases to no more than 1.5°C is crucial, if only we want to avoid the most severe climate consequences and want to preserve a habitable climate. However, prevailing policies point toward a projected temperature increase of 2.8°C by the end of this century.
While humanity is contributing to this unwelcomed change, it is important to point out that certain nations are more responsible for a significantly higher share of emissions. In 2020, the seven largest emitters—China, the United States, India, the European Union, Indonesia, the Russian Federation, and Brazil—collectively accounted for about half of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
Addressing climate change is a collective responsibility, but these nations and individuals contributing more to the problem bear a greater onus to take immediate action. In fact, the numerous solutions to address this challenge should be looked into. It is also important to understand that most of the climate change mitigation strategies not only have the potential to boost economic well-being but also enhance our quality of life while safeguarding the environment.
Action to combat climate change broadly falls into three key categories: reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and securing the necessary financial resources for these adjustments. One pivotal step is transitioning our energy systems from fossil fuels to renewable sources such as solar and wind power, thereby curbing the emissions that drive climate change. However, immediate action is imperative. While an increasing number of countries are committing to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, it is crucial to halve emissions by 2030 in order to maintain global warming below the critical 1.5°C threshold. To accomplish this, substantial reductions in the use of coal, oil, and natural gas are essential.
Adapting to the consequences of climate change is essential for safeguarding the well-being of people, residences, businesses, livelihoods, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. It encompasses addressing both existing climate impacts and those anticipated in the future. The need for adaptation is universal, but it is of paramount importance to prioritise and initiate efforts immediately for the benefit of the most vulnerable individuals who possess limited resources to resist climate-related hazards.
When it comes to climate action, there is a choice between paying the price now or incurring much higher costs in the future. While combatting climate change requires significant financial commitments from governments and businesses, the repercussions of inaction are far more economically burdensome. By taking immediate action, we have the capacity to restrict the impacts of climate change and ensure the preservation of a habitable planet. We possess the requisite knowledge, tools, and resources to establish a sustainable and viable future for all. Translating this knowledge into action is the key.
Dr. Benazir Patil is the Chief Executive Officer of SCHOOL.