The spike in global temperature, rise in the sea levels, an increase in the number of natural calamities, and risk of more COVID like outbreaks are just few outcomes of human-induced activities that are meddling with the natural ecosystem. The ongoing human interventions in the name of the development in each sector are causing drastic climate impacts. While highlighting the same, the latest IPCC report calls out for immediate action and warned that it's ‘now or never’ to avoid the doomsday that we are heading to.
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report released on 4 April has laid out a roadmap to reduce carbon emissions by employing effective measures in each sector. The third volume of the 6th IPCC assessment report that was launched is the result of a collaboration of 270 scientists from more than 60 different countries and primarily emphasised the carbon sink aspect. In this key report, the scientists focused on the mitigation aspect as they have already highlighted the causes and impacts of climate change in their first and second publications. This includes the measures the nations can opt to mitigate the carbon footprint that they have created so far.
While highlighting the alarming findings the UN chief Antonio Guterres said, “This is not fiction or exaggeration. We are on a pathway to global warming of more than double the 1.5-degree celsius limit” which was agreed upon in Paris in 2015.
The latest UN report highlighted that the carbon emissions rate was the highest from 2010 to 2019 which clearly indicates that the world is on a “fast track” to disaster. While looking at all the data, it is clear that the time for action is now and then only we can halve the carbon emissions by 2030. The third landmark report also highlighted some positives and mentioned that the global community has the tools to mitigate the carbon footprint and achieve the climate action goals.
The report focused on the measures we can adopt to limit the carbon emissions from different sectors and how we can limit them to prevent global warming. The researchers mentioned that the major role in achieving the climate change targets is of the policymakers. The UN secretary-general urged the governments to act responsibly and reassess their energy policies because if the ongoing practices continue “the world will become uninhabitable”.
All countries must reduce their fossil fuel use, excel the electrification in sectors such as transportation, improve energy efficiency and shift toward alternative fuels such as hydrogen and renewable energy sources to fulfil the energy requirements.
Positive climate change actions
The researchers assessed that there have been significant developments in the renewable energy sector and the world has witnessed a decline of up to 85% in the costs of solar and wind energy, and batteries. The recent policies and laws have given a pathway to shift toward green energy due to the increasing affordability. Enhanced energy efficiency, reduced rates of deforestation and accelerated deployment of renewable energy are the result of these policies.
The AR6 has also praised the efforts of the countries that are taking noticeable actions to mitigate the climate change impacts. While appreciating these policies the IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee said, “I am encouraged by climate action being taken in many countries. There are policies, regulations and market instruments that are proving effective. If these are scaled up and applied more widely and equitably, they can support deep emissions reductions and stimulate innovation.”
She stated that the decisions taken at present can secure a liveable future. The “tools and know-how” required to limit the global temperature under 2 degrees celsius are there, she added.
Scope of cutting the carbon emissions to half by 2030
The report highlighted the sectors that have the scope to halve the carbon emission by 2030 and laid out the major points and policies that can help in achieving the same. “Having the right policies, infrastructure and technology in place to enable changes to our lifestyles and behaviour can result in a 40-70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050”, the report added.
To reduce GHG emissions in each sector will involve using sustainable and eco-friendly materials, adopting reusing and recycling policies and minimizing waste. The manufacturing sector involves processes that have a massive carbon footprint and account for a quarter of global emissions. It will be challenging and must require gigantic efforts to curb the same. Employment of alternative energy sources such as hydrogen and electrification in the processes is a solution the policymakers must focus on. “For basic materials, including steel, building materials and chemicals, low- to zero-greenhouse gas production processes are at their pilot to near-commercial stage”, the report added.
The scientific solutions available in the Agro-forest industry and other land use can provide a large-scale reduction in GHG emissions and can also help to store carbon dioxide present. “Response options can benefit biodiversity, help us adapt to climate change, and secure livelihoods, food and water, and wood supplies”, researchers said.
India’s efforts to achieve the net-zero target
Recently the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has announced that India is escalating its efforts towards achieving its renewable energy targets as they have already achieved carbon emission reduction of about 25% over 2005 levels, against the climate action target of 35% by 2030.
The central government has been introducing several policies to boost the nation's dependability on renewable sources. As per data available, India’s renewable energy capacity crossed 100 gigawatts & reached 157.32 GW in 2021. India is targeting about 450GW of installed renewable energy capacity by 2030 and 60% of this is expected from solar. India’s nuclear energy-based installed electricity capacity stands at 6.78 GW.
This makes India among one of the few nations globally which are on its way to achieving Paris Climate Change (COP21) commitments along with an exponential increase in renewable energy capacity. Considering the rate of growth in the energy sector, India is determined to not only achieve but surpass its NDC commitments well within the committed time frame.
Manvender is a passionate content creator with a journalism degree who has a knack for developing human-interest content. In the past, he was involved with a National News Channel and a video production company and has experience in writing, designing and video production.
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