Vikram S Mehta writes on the climate crisis: The global way out

Source: The post is based on the article “Vikram S Mehta writes on the climate crisis: The global way out” published in “The Indian express” on 7th August 2023.

Syllabus: Environment Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment & Disaster and disaster management.

News: In this article discusses the growing global warming crisis and the challenges in addressing it due to political and social divisions. They mention a book by Duhaime suggesting the human brain can be conditioned for pro-environment actions. The author believes that, like the global response to Covid19, collaboration is key.

What are the challenges in addressing growing global warming crisis?

Political and Social Divisions:

The world is divided geopolitically, especially between the US and China.

Escalating tensions and economic nationalism hinder global cooperation.

The US Inflation Reduction Act and Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) show a swing towards economic nationalism.

Economic Implications:

Former US Secretary Henry Paulson warns against only focusing on solar and wind.

Solar facilities can destroy forests.

Mining can harm sensitive areas.

Wind turbines have caused one million bird deaths.

Environmental Warnings:

The World Meteorological Organization says July was the “hottest week on record”.

One year between 2024-2027 will exceed the 1.5 C temperature rise limit set at COP 21.

Xinjiang saw a high of 52.2 C.

Phoenix faced 19 straight days of above 43 C.

Forest fires are increasing in southern Europe.

Natural Tipping Points:

The North Atlantic Gulf stream is at risk of collapsing by the 2050s.

Such a collapse would drastically change global climates.

What should be done?

Limit Global Warming: Ensure global temperatures don’t exceed 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels, as set in COP 21.

Renewable Energy: Increase the share of renewables in the energy mix, as suggested by the president of COP28, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

Innovate: Scale up technologies like green hydrogen and carbon capture.

Financial Commitments: Governments should meet their financial pledges towards climate action.

Holistic Solutions: Avoid singular solutions like solely focusing on solar and wind, as they can have unintended environmental consequences. For example, solar facilities on forested land or wind turbines causing bird deaths.

Global Cooperation: Collaborate internationally to address the crisis, as done during the Covid19 pandemic.

Brain Conditioning: Leverage the “plasticity” of the human brain, as mentioned in Duhaime’s book, to encourage pro-environment policies.

Avoid Destruction: Refrain from projects that harm nature, such as mining in sensitive areas.