https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 13 (Alliance News): The escalating climate crisis, fueled by rising carbon emissions, is increasingly threatening global stability. Recent events have underscored the urgency of addressing this issue.
In July 2023, Europe and North America experienced an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 50°C (122°F).
The extreme heat, exacerbated by carbon emissions, led to devastating wildfires and a public health crisis. These alarming events emphasize the need for developed nations to take more aggressive measures against climate change.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries, while driving significant economic and technological progress, also sparked a surge in carbon emissions due to the widespread use of coal and fossil fuels.
This period marked the beginning of a dramatic rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation.
Recent data highlights the growing impact of these emissions. Global CO2 emissions in 2022 increased by 1.5% compared to 2021 and 2.0% compared to 2019, reaching 36.1 gigatonnes.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that in 2023, global energy-related CO2 emissions hit a record high of 37.4 billion tonnes, up by 490 million tonnes from the previous year, with coal emissions responsible for over 65% of this increase. Major emitters, including China, the EU, India, Japan, and the US, continue to significantly affect developing nations.
Developing countries, which are often the most vulnerable to environmental and economic challenges, bear a disproportionate burden. The adverse impacts on low-income communities are severe, affecting both health and economic stability.
International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 2°C above pre-industrial levels, are crucial in this context.
Pakistan, a signatory of the Paris Agreement, also participates in the Kyoto Protocol, which sets binding targets for reducing greenhouse gases.
The United Nations (UN) plays a vital role in climate action, organizing conferences like COP for climate negotiations and promoting sustainable practices through the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
These efforts provide a framework for assessing the extent to which developed nations meet their climate commitments.
Professor Dr Shujaat Farooq of PIDE University, an expert in Global Governance and Development Economics, highlighted several key developments in climate action.
China launched its Unified Carbon Market on July 16, 2021, as part of its carbon reduction strategy. India has pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, as announced at COP26 in Glasgow. However, at COP27, many countries prioritized energy security over stringent emission reduction targets.
In Pakistan, the Clean Energy House Programme, introduced in 2018, aims to improve environmental quality and raise awareness about carbon footprints.
Climate Justice events emphasize the disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis on low-income and BIPOC communities, such as those in California’s Bay Area Oil Corridor, calling for fair and equitable solutions.
A key component of addressing climate change is ensuring an economic transition for industries dependent on fossil fuels.
As countries move towards cleaner energy, supporting affected workers through retraining and economic diversification is essential. This approach mitigates the impact on those reliant on traditional energy sectors.
Advancing towards a low-carbon economy requires innovation in renewable energy and international collaboration.
Developed nations must lead by investing in green technologies and supporting global climate initiatives.
Their active involvement in fulfilling climate commitments and fostering innovation is crucial for achieving long-term climate goals and ensuring a sustainable future.
Despite international agreements like the Paris Accord, developed nations have often fallen short of meeting their carbon emission targets.
Inconsistent adherence, driven by changing political priorities and economic interests, complicates global climate action. This failure to comply exacerbates environmental degradation, disproportionately impacting poorer and more vulnerable countries.
Addressing climate change requires not only environmental action but also a commitment to social and racial equity.
Developed nations, with their historical and ongoing carbon emissions, bear significant responsibility.
Integrating Climate Justice principles into international agreements is essential for achieving equitable outcomes and ensuring a sustainable future for all, particularly for the most affected countries.
