Are humans close to end climate change issue?
In a time where good news seems hard to find, it might bring you joy to know that while humanity’s efforts to combat climate change may still fall short of what is needed, there are still signs of good progress.
Since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, which aimed to limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, there have been small improvements in the climate change trajectory. The adoption of renewable energy is one area that offers hope.
At the time of the Paris Agreement, the world was on track for a 3.5-degree Celsius temperature increase by 2100. This level of warming would have devastating consequences, including mass extinctions, sea-level rise, and unlivable conditions across the planet. While current commitments to reduce carbon footprints have brought the projected temperature increase down to 2.5-2.9 degrees Celsius, it is still far from the safe limit.
Greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, but the rate of increase has slowed. The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that emissions need to peak by 2025 to meet the Paris goals. To limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, emissions must be reduced by almost half by 2030. Recent estimates suggest that global emissions could peak by 2024, thanks to renewable energy advancements.
Solar, wind, and electric vehicles (EVs) are the key technologies driving the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Solar photovoltaic (PV) power is projected to reduce emissions by around three gigatonnes in 2030, equivalent to the emissions from all the world’s cars currently on the road. Wind power and EVs are also expected to make significant emissions reductions. In 2030, wind power is projected to reduce emissions by two gigatonnes, and EVs by approximately one gigatonne compared to pre-Paris scenarios.
The cost decline of renewable technologies and public policy initiatives in countries such as China, the United States, and Europe have contributed to this progress. China’s five-year plans have boosted solar power ambitions and driven down global costs. Offshore wind projects in Europe have kick-started a global industry, and India and other emerging markets have seen significant uptake of electric two-wheelers and buses.
While the progress made in transitioning to renewable energy is encouraging, it is important to recognize that further action is necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Continued investment in renewable technologies, ambitious emission reduction targets, and international collaboration are crucial to securing a sustainable future and avoiding catastrophic climate change.
