Global warming, meaning the long-term rise in the Earth’s average temperature, is one of the most urgent challenges of the twenty-first century. As scientists continue to deliver concerning facts on the rising rate of climate change, the world has reached a critical point. The choice is clear: act now or risk irreversible harm to our world. In this perspective, climate leadership is critical to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Why is global warming a huge threat?
Global warming is the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature caused by human activity, notably the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, industrial activities, and agricultural practices contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Global warming threatens the lives and livelihoods of billions of people and is putting our progress toward ending extreme poverty at risk. Since the Industrial Revolution, the world average temperature has risen by around 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). This may seem like a minor rise, but it has far-reaching effects on the world. The warming trend is quickening, with the last three decades seeing the largest temperature increase.
The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon that keeps the Earth warm by trapping heat from the sun in the atmosphere. However, human activities have exacerbated this effect by increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases trap more heat, causing a rise in global temperatures. Extreme weather phenomena such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires are becoming more frequent due to global warming. Rising temperatures can exacerbate these occurrences, increasing their frequency, severity, and duration. These catastrophes have disastrously affected ecosystems, infrastructure, and human life.
Glaciers and ice sheets melt as global temperatures rise, resulting in rising sea levels. This seriously threatens coastal towns, low-lying islands, and fragile ecosystems. Rising sea levels may cause coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion, and greater flooding during storms. Global warming is threatening the planet’s biodiversity. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns jeopardise ecosystems, resulting in habitat loss and extinction. Coral reefs, arctic regions, and tropical rainforests are especially sensitive to the effects of global warming.
Global warming has a significant public health impact. It can exacerbate heat-related ailments, respiratory issues, and the spread of infectious diseases. The elderly, children, and people living in low-income neighbourhoods are especially vulnerable. The economic repercussions of global warming are significant. Extreme weather events and sea-level rise can harm infrastructure, disrupt agriculture, and cause economic losses. The costs of adapting to and mitigating the effects of global warming are enormous, but the consequences of inaction are even greater.
Global warming affects everyone, but not evenly. It disproportionately affects marginalised and disadvantaged communities, including low-income communities, Indigenous peoples, women and children, and those who live in places with high levels of exposure to climate-related dangers. Due to its geographical position and dense population, Bangladesh is at significant risk.
Who is responsible for this catastrophe?
Global warming is a worldwide issue, but responsibility for it is not evenly divided. Certain countries have contributed significantly to the problem through industrial operations and carbon emissions. The United States has historically been the most significant contributor to global warming. Over the last 150 years, the United States has released more greenhouse gases into the environment than any other country. Other affluent countries, especially those in the European Union, have made major contributions to global warming.
The Group of 20 major economies (G20) is responsible for 78% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions. This means that most emissions originate from a few countries, while those least responsible for the climate catastrophe bear the brunt of its effects. As key contributors to global warming, these countries and states must lead the way in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to a cleaner, more sustainable future. This obligation is acknowledged internationally and should influence these countries’ policies.
Understanding the 1.5° Celsius Target
The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 by 195 countries, established an ambitious target of limiting global temperature rise to far below 2°C above pre-industrial levels while pursuing measures to minimise the increase to 1.5°C. Scientists have cautioned that a 2°C temperature rise could dramatically magnify the harmful effects of climate change, increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, causing widespread biodiversity loss, and exacerbating sea-level rise. Limiting warming to 1.5°C would significantly mitigate these effects, saving millions of lives and livelihoods while protecting fragile ecosystems.
Climate leadership refers to the actions and strategies individuals, organisations, and governments undertake to tackle climate change. It entails pioneering sustainable practices, advocating for strong climate policies, promoting innovation and technological advancements, and encouraging international cooperation. The importance of climate leadership in meeting the ambitious 1.5°C objective cannot be understated. Climate leadership’s key responsibilities include implementing effective mitigation methods such as switching to renewable energy, increasing energy efficiency, encouraging sustainable land use and agricultural practices, and developing carbon capture technologies. Leaders must set ambitious emissions reduction targets and take urgent action to achieve them.
International Efforts and Commitments
On April 1, 2016, the United States and China, which account for about 40% of global emissions, agreed to sign the Paris Climate Agreement. Although the United States temporarily left the agreement, it rejoined in 2021, committing to transition to a low-emissions economy through investment, innovation, and green public procurement. China aims to peak its carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060. China has undertaken energy-saving measures and established targets to lower energy intensity to increase energy efficiency and lower pollution. While China has made progress in renewable energy and emission reduction, it still faces challenges, such as its significant reliance on coal for electricity.
Developed countries have pledged $100 billion annually to help offset the effects of climate change. This funding aims to balance mitigation and adaptation efforts. The G7 countries announced $420 million in climate risk insurance and the creation of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative. Rising economies like India have made considerable pledges to combat climate change, committing to rapid emissions reductions and renewable energy expansion. The initiative requires cooperation from both corporate leaders and NGOs.
Role of Corporate Leaders and NGOs
Many corporate executives have set high goals for lowering their emissions of greenhouse gases. For example, the leaders of the Exponential Roadmap group, comprising Unilever, BT Group, Ericsson, and Ikea, aim to achieve net-zero emissions across their supply chain by 2050 and cut their absolute greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030. Businesses are working together and innovating to create practices and technologies that cut emissions. Calstart, a nonprofit organisation with 282 member firms, has created market mechanisms to scale up transportation technology breakthroughs that reduce air pollution.
NGOs are crucial in evaluating emission reduction plans and offering tools, research, and advice. They work with businesses, governments, and other stakeholders to expedite climate action. NGOs also fundraise to support environmentally friendly farming practices and reduce waste. Some NGOs disclose their carbon emissions to show their dedication, calculating all their emissions, including indirect emissions, and developing emission reduction plans. NGOs collaborate with other groups to persuade funders and suppliers to lower greenhouse gas emissions and modify humanitarian medical procedures, including waste management and procurement.
Impact of Climate Leadership
Climate leadership can establish ambitious goals for reducing emissions, such as reaching net-zero emissions by a given year. These goals provide a clear path for action and encourage the enactment and enforcement of laws and rules that incentivise emission reduction. This can involve policies like carbon pricing, renewable energy standards, energy-efficiency initiatives, and regulations governing emissions from transportation and industry. Effective climate leadership also involves promoting clean technologies and renewable energy sources, supporting research and development, offering financial incentives for investments in clean energy, and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon energy system.
Climate leaders can also promote sustainable methods in various industries, such as transportation and agriculture, by advancing environmentally friendly farming techniques, boosting electric cars and public transit usage, and introducing energy-saving procedures in production processes. Strong legislative and regulatory frameworks are essential for accomplishing the 1.5°C goal. These frameworks guide the activities of organisations, individuals, and communities and include policies like carbon pricing, energy efficiency standards, renewable energy mandates, and sustainable land use rules.
In addition, climate leaders must ensure an equitable transition to a low-carbon economy by addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged groups and ensuring that policies are just. Ambitious goals and effective policies, combined with the cooperation of international, national, and local leaders, are crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C and safeguarding the planet for future generations.
