Course Correction and Need to Avert a Climate Disaster

At a broad level, let us ask the same question – the earth as we inherited, can we pass on the same after 100 years – say in 2124 in the same shape or much better. Our little conflicts can wait, little issues can wait, little challenges can wait, little topics to talk about can wait, little inventions and discoveries can wait, little development and progress can wait, little success can wait, little celebrations can wait – when we give way to the main problem at hand. We need to really focus on the most burning and pressing problem of the time. Analyse it, acknowledge it, devise plans and policies to act on it, implement it, look at a different world, repeat the loop till we get the satisfactory answer to the question of our times. The problem is climate change and let us ask the question ourselves once again - the earth as we inherited, can we pass on the same after 100 years – say in 2124 in the same shape or much better. Can every responsible and knowledgeable person resoundingly say the earth will be left in much better shape in 2124. The answer is a resounding ‘No’ at the moment, by the way the planet and its resources have been exploited, its environment altered, and the dangerous gases emitted. I had already mentioned the same in an earlier post on this subject but this can be iterated, re-iterated any number of times till the gravity of the situation is felt by everyone and bulldozed its way to limelight where everyone must be compelled to take action. 

Well, here is the thing to think about – we are on a long journey from 1900 or earlier and going along on a road to 2100 and beyond. The world has been changing all through the years and quite drastically in these 100 years. There has been no proliferation of vehicles, no modern transportation, no modern day airplanes, no modern-day developments, no internet, no digital age and no so-called human development back then but cropped up in a span of 100 years like never before. So, the bus we hopped on in 1900 has taken us to this point in 2024 and can we imagine the destination where it will take us in 2124 if the journey is continued unabated in the same manner. Same unabated progress and continued 20th century evolution. We cannot foresee any favorable outcome to planet earth, its climate or to the state of human living if we continue along the same trajectory. Simply, without diffusing the time bomb, without averting the trajectory, without avoiding climate disaster, we will be finding ourselves in a battered and bruised planet which may not support the present state of human inhabitation. There is a need to avert this climate disaster or there is a need to avert the path of the journey to reach the destination. Unless we work on these new paths and new inroads, climate disaster or the impending damage due to the climate change will not be averted. Unless this priority item is worked upon and put into a mitigating feedback loop, the trajectory will not alter for the soft and slow climate disaster working its way through. Remember, when the evil side of nature is brought to the fore, nothing else matters, no other subject upon which we are banging our heads matters. It should be our utmost preemptive measure to tackle this evil by giving highest importance by putting above everything else. The highest objective is to see the place of humanity in same shape or better after 100, 200 or 400 years.

Reaching net-zero emissions is the most important goal for all of us to achieve it. Transitioning from the fossil fuels gives the biggest boost towards that step to reach net-zero. Fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) are the primary contributors to climate change. When burned, they release greenhouse gases (like carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a rise in global temperatures. Since 1850, humans have emitted over 2,500 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, significantly impacting the Earth’s climate, pushing the global average temperature up 1.2 C.. The concentration of greenhouse gases has surged past 400 parts per million (ppm), far exceeding the natural range of the past 800,000 years. In simple words, we have destroyed the ecosystem of over 8 lakh years in a span of 150 years. This is the pace and path of degradation we are currently sailing over which needs an urgent correction. Even increasing the average climate temperatures by as little as 1-2 degress celsius will adversely impact the life on the earth and usher in several negative consequences. 

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that fossil fuel emissions must be halved within 11 years to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The dependence on these fossil fuels for energy must be stopped and renewable energy resources must be taken up in a war footing which is the biggest visible correction a generation can make. This is a tectonic shift in the energy sources of the world, which must be phased out before it is over. There is also tremendous progress with the acknowledgement and commitment in that direction from all the nations in the recently concluded climate summit COP-28. Nearly every country in the world has agreed to “transition away from fossil fuels” – the main driver of climate change – at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai. It is the first time such an agreement has been reached in 28 years of international climate negotiations. Over 100 countries agreed to triple renewable energy capacity and double the global rate of energy efficiency by 2030. The commitments made in Dubai will shape the actions of countries and companies in the coming years as they work towards reducing emissions and transitioning to a sustainable future. The summit marks a pivotal moment in international climate negotiations which was never seen before. This consciousness needs to turn into swift action on the ground. 

Achieving net-zero emissions is crucial to stabilizing global temperatures. “Net zero emissions” refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. When a country, company, or individual achieves net zero emissions, it means that for every ton of greenhouse gas they emit, they ensure a ton is removed, resulting in no net increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases.  The world typically adds fifty-one billion tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere every year. The goal is to reach zero. To stop warming and avoid the worst effects of climate change—and these effects will be very bad— humans need to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. The world has never done anything quite this big. Every country will need to change its ways. Virtually every activity in modern life—growing things, making things, getting around from place to place—involves releasing greenhouse gases, and as time goes on, more people will be living this modern lifestyle. That’s good, because it means their lives are getting better. Yet if nothing else changes, the world will keep producing greenhouse gases, climate change will keep getting worse, and the impact on humans will likely be catastrophic. As mentioned, modern lifestyles, unchanged, will only exacerbate this problem of inflicting more greenhouse gases.  

The goal to zero requires balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with an equivalent amount removed from the atmosphere. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable land use practices are pivotal steps toward this objective. 

The Cornerstone of Climate Action Renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power, offer a path to significantly reduce emissions. The rapid deployment of these technologies, coupled with advancements in energy storage, can transform our energy systems and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. 

Innovation is key to overcoming the challenges of climate change. Breakthrough technologies in carbon capture and storage, advanced nuclear reactors, and green hydrogen production hold promise for a cleaner future. Investing in research and development is essential to bring these solutions to scale. 

Governments play a critical role in combating climate change through policy interventions. Implementing carbon pricing, phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, and enforcing regulations to limit emissions are effective strategies. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, provide a framework for collective action. 

The private sector has the potential to drive significant progress in addressing climate change. Businesses can adopt sustainable practices, invest in green technologies, and set ambitious emission reduction targets. Investors can influence corporate behavior by prioritizing companies with strong environmental credentials. 

Individuals can contribute to climate action through lifestyle changes. Reducing meat consumption, minimizing waste, using public transportation, and supporting renewable energy are ways to lower one’s carbon footprint. Collective behavioral change can have a profound impact on reducing emissions. 

As seen, educating the public about climate change and its consequences is vital for fostering a culture of sustainability. Awareness campaigns, school curricula, and community programs can empower individuals to take informed actions and support climate-friendly policies. 

Avoiding a climate disaster requires an all-hands-on-deck approach. It demands cooperation among nations, commitment from businesses, innovation in technology, and participation from individuals. By embracing a holistic strategy that addresses the root causes and effects of climate change, we can chart a course toward a sustainable future for all. Our collective objective is to take the world safely to 2124 and beyond. Our every conscious action must be in line with this objective. This is the only way to avert an impending climate disaster. Corrections lead to better processes lead to better journeys lead to better destinations. There are no two reasons to stress on this importance and the dramatic course correction which is required to avert a bad century ahead.