Climate Change: Challenges & Response

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our world today. It is caused by natural actions as well as human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and cause global temperatures to rise. This increase in temperature has far-reaching consequences, including melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and more frequent and severe natural disasters.

The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, and they will only become more severe unless action is taken to address the root causes of the problem.

In this article, we will explore the causes and consequences of climate change and examine some of the ways that individuals, communities, and governments can work together to mitigate its impact.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a broad term used to refer to changes in the Earth’s climate at local, regional, or global scales and can also refer to the effects of these changes. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United Nations to provide policymakers with objective and comprehensive information about climate change. While the IPCC does not provide an official definition of climate change, it does offer a widely accepted and authoritative assessment of the phenomenon.

According to the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5), climate change is defined as:

“A change in the state of the climate that can be identified by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties and that persists for an extended period, typically decades or longer. Climate change may be due to natural internal processes or external forcings, or to persistent anthropogenic changes in the composition of the atmosphere or in land use.”

This definition emphasizes that climate change involves alterations in the average conditions and variability of climate factors (such as temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns) over a significant period. It acknowledges that climate change can result from both natural factors and human activities, including changes in greenhouse gas concentrations and land-use practices. In recent decades, the term ‘climate change is most often used to describe changes in the Earth’s climate, driven primarily by human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels and removal of forests, resulting in a relatively rapid increase in carbon dioxide concentration in the Earth’s atmosphere.

What is Global Warming?

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities.

When fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas) are burned for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes, they release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These GHGs trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping back into space. This phenomenon is often referred to as the greenhouse effect.

The enhanced greenhouse effect resulting from the increased concentrations of GHGs leads to a warming effect on the Earth’s surface and lower atmosphere. Over time, this leads to global warming. The consequences of global warming include rising temperatures, altered weather patterns, melting glaciers and polar ice caps, sea-level rise, and ecological disruptions.

It’s important to note that global warming refers to the long-term trend of increasing temperatures, while short-term fluctuations and variations in weather patterns are considered part of natural climate variability and not indicative of global warming on their own.

Global Warning is Not Climate Change

Global warming and climate change are related but not exactly the same. Global warming refers specifically to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, primarily caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Climate change, on the other hand, encompasses a broader set of changes beyond just temperature. It refers to long-term alterations in various aspects of the Earth’s climate system, including temperature patterns, precipitation patterns, wind patterns, and more. Climate change includes the effects of global warming but extends to other climate-related shifts and impacts, such as sea-level rise, changes in precipitation patterns, melting ice caps and glaciers, and shifts in ecosystems and biodiversity.

In summary, global warming is one component of climate change, specifically focusing on the increase in average surface temperature, while climate change encompasses a wider range of changes and effects beyond just temperature.

How Serious is the Threat?

Climate change is a reality unfolding gradually but surely. Not only are the frequency and virulence of the extreme meteorological phenomena increasing, but they are also becoming more persistent due to the unprecedented speed with which it have unfolded. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), since 1880, the average global temperature has increased by 0.85°C, sea levels have risen by 19 cm, and the Arctic has lost 1.07 million km2 of ice per decade. As per the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the five-year period 2015–2020 was the hottest of all time.

Climate Change is affecting millions of people across the world, especially the most vulnerable, by causing material damage and population displacement. According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), natural disasters led to the internal displacement of 17.2 million people in 2018.

What are the causes of Climate Change?

Well, the climate of our planet has changed throughout its life, through natural causes that can be measured in hundreds and even millions of years. Several areas have been researched over the years, including anthropogenic global warming (AGW), which puts a lot of blame on man-made emissions. However, others do not claim that man-made emissions are a major cause of climate change. Each theory is plausible and sheds light on some likely causative factors for climate change. Some of these are as follows:

1. Planetary motion: The Milankovitch Theory.

According to Milutin Milankovi, a Serbian geophysicist, changes in the Earth’s orbit mean that the distance between the planet and the sun changes. These small changes in distance happen over a very long period, and this, in turn, affects the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth.

Milankovitch theorized that the last ice age ended about 12,000 years ago. And the next ‘cooling cycle’ may occur in about 30,000 years. A natural cause of climate change; is just global cooling rather than global warming.

2. Solar variability-The Sun Spots Theory

As per this theory, changes in the coronal ejections and magnetic fields of the sun cause changes in cloud formation, ocean currents, and wind that cause the climate to change. An increase in sunspots (which come and go in a 10- to 11-year cycle) is associated with increased solar output. It has been calculated that at the height of an 11-year cycle, the global temperature rises by approximately 0.4%.

3. Cloud formation /El Niño–La Niña cycle.

Some changes occur in the earth’s climate that have no external trigger. These types of changes are caused by factors and interactions within the climate system itself. One example of this phenomenon is the El Niño–La Niña cycle.

El Niño raises the global temperature, while its ‘partner influencer’, La Niña, reduces it. The cycle repeats approximately every 5 years. The effects are short-term, however, lasting just a few years.

4. Asteroids: The Dinosaur Extinction Theory

When an asteroid strikes the earth, dust and debris particles are thrown into the upper atmosphere. The sun’s rays are blocked, causing the insulation to be reduced and the climate to cool. This happens because energy from the sun is bounced back into space instead of coming straight through and warming the planet. The effect of this is immediate and quite profound; this is what happened to the dinosaurs 66 million years ago!

Luckily, the chances of asteroids of that size striking Earth are slim. However, it has been suggested that our planet, occasionally, passes through areas of space that contain pockets of asteroids that could also have had a significant impact on Earth’s climate.

5. Volcanic Activity

Adding up all emissions produced by volcanic eruptions, scientists estimated that about 0.645 billion metric tons of CO2 is emitted per year, contributing to climate change. A seemingly tiny number compared to the 43.1 billion metric tons of CO2 produced by human activity in 2019.

Interestingly, volcanoes have a mixed effect on our climate. Eruptions emit the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes global warming, but they also emit aerosol particles such as sulfur dioxide, which is known to be reflective and can block 5 to 10 percent of the sun’s warming energy.

6. Ocean currents

Some scientific studies have proved that global temperature variations over the past century and a half and particularly the past 30 years were due to the slowdown of the ocean’s Thermohaline Circulation (THC).

7. Bio-thermostat

According to this theory, rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere trigger biological and chemical responses that have a cooling effect, like a natural thermostat.

8. Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW)

No doubt, climate change is a natural phenomenon posing a threat to the future of our planet, but there are multiple ways in which humans are increasingly influencing the climate and the earth’s temperature. Thus, Anthropogenic Global Warming (AGW) is caused by humans by burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests, livestock farming, burning wheat/rice stubble, brick kilns, etc.

There is strong consensus among scientists, representing 97% of actively publishing climate scientists, that human influence has been the dominant cause of observed warming trends since the 20th century. The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has risen from hovering around 280 parts per million (ppm) in pre-Industrial times to 413 ppm as of early 2020. This concentration of carbon dioxide is unprecedented in recorded history. Scientists have reported that we need to return to a ‘safe’ concentration of 350 ppm by 2100 to stabilize global warming.

Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change: A Multi-Level Approach

Climate change is a pervasive and complex challenge that requires comprehensive action across various levels of society. Addressing this issue necessitates coordinated efforts in public policy, corporate strategy, societal involvement, individual behaviour, and global cooperation. Each of these levels plays a crucial role in both mitigating the causes of climate change and adapting to its impacts.

A. State-Level Interventions

Any state can bring about changes using its three roles namely regulative, facilitative, and service provider

Regulative Role:

The state must formulate a clear and long-term vision to address climate change. This involves creating a robust legal and regulatory framework that sets ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Policies should include incentives for compliance and penalties for non-compliance. For example, implementing carbon pricing mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems can drive reductions in emissions.

Facilitative Role:

Governments should facilitate climate action by providing resources and support to various stakeholders. This can include tax incentives for companies investing in renewable energy, funding for research and development in green technologies, and grants for communities adopting sustainable practices. States should also invest in infrastructure that supports climate resilience, such as improved public transportation systems and energy-efficient buildings.

Service Provider:

When the private sector and civil society fall short, the state must step in as a service provider. This can involve direct investment in eco-friendly projects, such as renewable energy installations, or public-private partnerships to develop sustainable urban areas. For example, governments can lead initiatives to develop smart cities with integrated waste management systems and green energy sources.

Key Areas of Focus:

1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Aligning with the Paris Agreement by aiming for at least a 26–28% reduction in emissions below 2005 levels by 2030.
2. Renewable Energy Legislation: Increasing the share of electricity from renewable sources to 50% by 2030.
3. Energy Efficiency: Establishing standards for energy performance in buildings, aiming to significantly reduce energy consumption.
4. Zero-Emission Vehicles: Promoting electric vehicle adoption through incentives and infrastructure development.
5. Air Pollution Control: Limiting short-lived climate pollutants like methane and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).
6. Financing Clean Energy: Creating opportunities for investments in clean energy and climate resilience projects.
7. Tracking and Resources: Developing tools to monitor emissions and assess climate risks.

B. Corporate Sector Initiatives

The private sector plays a pivotal role in climate action. Businesses can lead by example, implementing strategies that reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

1. Marketing Renewable Resources: Companies can influence consumer behavior through campaigns that highlight the benefits of renewable energy and sustainable products.
2. Energy Efficiency and Renewable Adoption: Corporations should prioritize energy efficiency and transition to renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
3. Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable practices in agriculture, fishing, and manufacturing can significantly reduce environmental impacts.
4. 3Rs Rule: Adopting the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling can minimize waste and resource consumption.
5. Sustainable Infrastructure: Investing in sustainable buildings and infrastructure that use fewer resources and produce lower emissions.

C. Societal Level Actions

Societal engagement is crucial for climate action. Communities can drive change through collective efforts and social pressure.

1. Awareness Campaigns: Educating the public about climate change and its impacts can mobilize support for governmental and corporate actions.
2. Practical Community Measures: Promoting public transportation, cycling, and shared mobility options can reduce emissions from personal vehicles.
3. Reduction in Livestock Farming: Encouraging plant-based diets can decrease the environmental impact of food production and free up land for reforestation.
4. Sustainable Living: Communities should advocate for renewable energy in homes and reduce reliance on concrete, promoting green spaces and urban agriculture.

D. Individual Level Actions

Individuals have a significant role in combating climate change through personal choices and lifestyle changes.

1. Energy Saving and Recycling: Reducing energy consumption, reusing materials, and recycling can lower individual carbon footprints.
2. Sustainable Consumption: Shifting towards a plant-based diet and reducing consumption of meat, dairy, and fish can lessen environmental impacts.
3. Eco-Friendly Transportation: Opting for walking, biking, or public transport can reduce emissions from personal vehicles.
4. Conscious Consumerism: Purchasing durable goods and avoiding single-use plastics can reduce waste and resource use.

E. Global Level Cooperation

Climate change is a global issue that requires international collaboration. Efforts must be made to share knowledge, technologies, and resources across borders.

1. Research and Development: Investing in global R&D initiatives can accelerate the development of new technologies for mitigation and adaptation.
2. International Agreements: Strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement ensures collective action towards common goals.
3. Supporting Vulnerable Regions: Developed countries should provide financial and technical assistance to developing nations, helping them cope with climate impacts.

Conclusion

Addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach that integrates actions at the state, corporate, societal, individual, and global levels. Each level has unique responsibilities and capabilities, and their combined efforts can create a comprehensive response to this urgent challenge. By working together, we can mitigate the causes of climate change and adapt to its inevitable impacts, ensuring a sustainable future for all.

COP27-Conference of the Parties about Climate Change

COP 27 is the 27th round of the UNO-sponsored Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which took place in the Egyptian coastal city of Sharm el-Sheikh from November 6th to 20th

It opened with a familiar warning about worsening climate impacts and a significant lack of progress on cutting emissions, exacerbating the distrust between developing and developed countries that have plagued the UN climate process for years. Here are seven takeaways from COP27.

1. Climate Change is Real and Coming: World leaders are now convinced that Climate Change is a reality unfolding itself. Not only are the frequency and virulence of extreme meteorological phenomena increasing, but they are also becoming more persistent due to their unprecedented speed. It is affecting every country, but asymmetrically. While millions of people are affected by material damage and population displacement, people in developing countries are more vulnerable to climate impacts, despite having contributed the least to the problem.
2. Global Multidimensional Cooperation Needed: The best takeaway is the realization by world leaders of the need for more sustained global cooperation that includes the corporate sector more vigorously. In fact, the fight against Climate Change must be led by the global corporate sector.
3. Developed Countries Acknowledge the Need for Funding for Loss and Damage: Developed countries have long sought to avoid direct talks on financing loss and damage by Climate Change. However, the recent Pakistan floods and vigorous diplomacy by its delegation not only saw the issue firmly established at the heart of climate negotiations but achieved agreement on the establishment of a fund, an outcome few had thought likely ahead of the talks. Although details need to be thrashed out at future COPs, the agreement is a breakthrough for poorer nations.
4. Fossil Fuel lobbying is still very strong. There were 636 lobbyists from the hydrocarbon industry registered at COP27, higher than the 503 at COP26, which already outnumbered the delegation of any single country, showing their growing influence at the climate talks. The Sharm El-Sheikh Implementation Plan reflected their influence. New language referring to “low emissions” energy was included alongside renewables as the energy sources of the future, an undefined term to be a significant loophole, to justify new fossil fuel development.
5. Strict Action Against Greenwashing: More businesses should set net-zero climate targets. However, concerns about greenwashing, whereby a company uses advertising and public messaging to try to appear to be environmentally sustainable and green — greener than it really is, growing. Persuaded by COP27, the UN secretary-general set up a task group that presented ten recommendations about criteria that companies must meet to claim credibility. In addition, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) also published a net-zero “guidelines paper”.
6. Food Systems/Agriculture under Scrutiny: Food and farming have previously been absent from official inclusion in UN talks, despite global food chains from production to consumption contributing around one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. However, to support farmers to adapt, COP27 launched Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation (FAST) initiative, to improve the quantity and quality of climate finance contributions for transforming agriculture by 2030, to be led by the UN’s FAO.

The “implementation COP” did not live up to its name, but momentum is building elsewhere: Although by the end of COP27, developed countries still had not delivered the US$100 billion a year they had promised in 2009, COP27 ended on a positive note of greater cooperation

(From my book “International Relations: Basic Concepts & Global Issues”, available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QZSRWT1)