Natural climate changes have shaped Earth’s history, from ice ages to warm periods. Yet, since the industrial revolution, human activities, notably fossil fuel use, have intensified the greenhouse gas effect, causing global warming. Key contributors include energy consumption, industrial processes, vehicular emissions, deforestation, and landfills. The consequences are evident: glacial melting, rising sea levels, warmer oceans impacting currents, heightened extreme events, and declining biodiversity. This unnatural warming disrupts Earth’s systems.
Since 1880, the average global temperature has risen by 1.1°C, of which the majority of warming has happened after 1975 (NASA GISS). The current international agenda as reflected in the Paris Accord is to limit the warming to 1.5°C from pre-industrial levels to secure a livable future for all. A 2°C rise will set a chain of irreversible reactions in Earth’s climate. Despite the scientific community and activists pushing for long to take climate action, a lack of political will, institutional changes and industry accountability have kept us way beyond the target. At current policy rates, we are projected to reach a 2.8°C rise by 2100.
The concept, embedded in physical climate science, refers to a state of Earth’s atmosphere where the anthropogenic GHGs released into the air are balanced by the removal of an equal amount. The Net zero target on an international level was the first time set by the Paris Climate Accord (entered into force on 4 November 2016).
To keep the global temperature within the limit, only a specific amount of CO2 and other GHGs can be present in the earth’s atmosphere. Any increase above that budget should be countered by removal into natural or artificial sinks. Net zero is crucial to keep the temperatures around 1.5°C and forms an important reference level to keep the individual national emissions in check. It becomes pivotal as 1.5°C targets are critical to keeping severe climate change-related disasters under control (IPCC).
Transitioning to net zero means a complete overhaul in consumption and production patterns. Switching to clean energy and electrification of transport and industry would help in faster decarbonisation. But simply reducing fossil fuel emissions is not a panacea; CO2 has decades-long impacts, which calls for urgent removal of existing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Carbon Sequestration Mechanisms: Carbon capture and storage from the atmosphere naturally or artificially removes the CO2 present.
More than 70 countries have pledged to a net zero target. Race to Zero is a UN effort for non-state actors to adopt rigorous climate action.
“Leadership is influence,” stated JC Maxwell, emphasising the need for world leaders to embrace eco-friendly lifestyles. The Dutch Prime Minister’s choice of cycling over car rides sets an example, with Dutch citizens avoiding 1.41 million tons of CO2 annually, equivalent to planting 54.4 million trees (UNEP). Global adoption of cycle-to-work schemes with financial incentives is crucial.
India’s Mission LiFE promotes sustainable living. PM Narendra Modi’s preferences for Khadi clothing, recycled PET fabric, plant-based diets, and climate-resilient crops showcase eco-conscious choices. The G20 conference and US state dinner featured vegan and millet-based food.
“Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle” initiatives lower carbon footprints. Advocating low consumption, buying second-hand, and repairing products help reduce CO2 emissions. Composting significantly reduces household emissions; supporting large composters and local recycling plants is essential.
Stringent laws combat food wastage. France’s Food Waste Law, along with similar laws in Singapore, Italy, Japan, and China, compels grocery stores to donate edible items. India’s Food Sharing Alliance encourages food donation but requires stricter laws to address waste and improve composting infrastructure.
Redirecting consumer expenditure toward eco-friendly options is vital for global climate action. Emphasising that climate responsibility is everyone’s concern, individuals and nations should prioritise choices that have a positive impact on the planet.
Conclusion
In the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, despite limited investments in climate-friendly sectors and a substantial focus on fossil fuels, the net zero goal has gained traction. Responsibility spans from individuals to institutions and industries to consumers, emphasising shared commitment to climate catastrophe prevention. Achieving net zero relies on innovation and stringent laws, with mass awareness and mobiliation being imperative. Individual efforts and choices shape consumer demand, driving fair, sustainable, low-emission supplies. India’s investments in solar energy and vehicle electrification, coupled with low legacy emissions, position it favourably in containing warming to 2°C. Our commitment to climate action today shapes Earth’s future.
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Sakshi Naithani
Sakshi has done her Masters in Geography from Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. She is currently pursuing Ph.D. in natural hazard risk assessment from Indian Institute of Remote Sensing-Kumaun University. When not engaged in research work, she loves to write poetry.
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