Understanding gravity of climate change

The world we live in is bearing the consequences of intense heat waves and rising sea level, affecting people's life and business across the globe. The worst could come if human misconduct against nature continues. Scientists assert that immediate and decisive actions only can prevent the most devastating effects of climate change. This article is focused on exploring the phenomena of climate change, its causes, the current impact on our planet, and the importance of taking action to secure a sustainable future.

What is climate change, in the first place?

Climate refers to the average weather in a specific region over many years. Climate change is a shift in those average conditions over an extended period. The climate has changed naturally throughout Earth's history. However, rapid climate change seen over the past decades is caused by humans.  The use of fossil fuels like coal, oil,  and gas in homes, industry and transportation sectors releases huge greenhouse gasses such as CO2 into the atmosphere. These gasses trap the sun's heat, leading to an increase in earth's temperature.

Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the amount of Co2 in the atmosphere has risen over 50 per cent for recurrent increase in greenhouse gasses. The world is now about 1.1c warmer than it was before. Its impacts  include extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, the melting of glacial and ice sheets contributing to sea-level rises, leading to huge decline in arctic sea ice and to ocean warming. People's living is already changing as a result. For example, the ongoing East African drought has put more than 20 million people at risk of severe hunger. The 2022 European heatwaves led to an abnormal increase in deaths.  Extreme weather events have cost trillions of dollars of economic damage in recent decades, but the death toll has actually fallen as early warning systems have improved according to world meteorological organizations.

Scientists are emphasizing limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees celsius to prevent the most detrimental impacts of climate change.  The impacts of the 2.0-degree-celsius global- warming scenario compared to 1.5 degrees Celsius could include even hotter days with mid-latitude regions outside the poles and tropics experiencing average increases of 4.0 degrees Celsius and 3.0 degrees celsius respectively.  Furthermore, the sea level would be 0.1-metre higher than at 1.5 degrees Celsius, rendering 10 million more people to the risk of coastal flooding .There will be devastating loss of coral reefs.  Developing countries will face the greatest challenges due to limited resources. They have contributed only a fraction of greenhouse gasses responsible for the crisis, but they will have to face the most dire consequences of climate change.

What governments are doing about climate change remains a moot question. In the Paris agreement signed in 2015 almost 200 countries pledged to keep global warming at 1.5 celsius. For this, they have to achieve net-zero goal in CO2 emissions by 2050. While many countries have adopted net-zero targets, some have been sluggish. As a result, greenhouse gas emission continues to rise.  This could most likely warm the world beyond 1.5 celsius, which is alarming. The next Cop28 will be held in November in the UAE where world leaders will meet and take collective action to safeguard the planet. Major changes from government and businesses, small changes from individuals can also make a difference. For example, taking fewer flights, turning off lights when not in use, adopting electric vehicles, replacing gas heating systems with heat pumps and reducing consumption of red meat can help.

Climate change is an urgent global crisis that requires immediate and collective action. Governments must honour their commitment under the Paris agreement, and simultaneously, individuals can make eco-friendly choices and sustainable living. It is the time to act. Let  us join hands to protect our planet, preserve its ecosystem and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Tushia Amin is a lecturer and news presenter.
tushiabd@gmail.com