The Earth Is Moving Towards Climate Catastrophe

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The 13th edition of the annual Emissions Gap report was published by the UN Environment Program (UNEP) titled as “The Closing Window: Climate crisis calls for rapid transformation of societies” suggesting that present commitments made by the countries to curb the rise of the global temperature are “woefully inadequate”. On October 27, 2022, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) report revealed that the international community is still falling behind the Paris Agreement targets, as there is no credible roadmap to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the worsening climate impacts throughout the globe is urging the countries that efforts should be made in order to decline greenhouse gas emissions swiftly. It is highlighted in the report that enough progress has not been accomplished despite the decision by all nations to strengthen Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at the 2021 climate summit in Glasgow, UK (COP26). In advance of the COP27 session, the next international climate summit in November will be held in Egypt. Prior to the summit, the UNEP issued its report which has given the statistics on how far the globe is from fulfilling its emissions targets. The Director of UNEP said in a statement “We are sliding from climate crisis to climate disaster. This report is sending us a very, very clear message. If we are serious about climate change, we need to kick start a system-wide transformation now. We need a root and branch redesign of the electricity sector, of the transport sector, of the building sector, and food systems.”

The greatest existential threat to our world is climate change. The effects of rising global temperatures will have catastrophic effects on all species living on planet Earth if the measures are not taken to restrict the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the combustion of fossil fuels. Due to the large increase in global temperature, changes in weather patterns have been noticed in the form of extreme weather events like droughts, hurricanes and floods which were not only more intense but also more unpredictable than ever before. This year has seen the worst extreme weather occurrences on record, a third of the country drowned due to massive floods in Pakistan, the warmest summer was witnessed in Europe in 500 years. The Philippines suffered greatly, Cuba went completely dark because of the disruptions caused by a hurricane. Hurricane Ian has brutally affected the United States, it is reminder for all the developed countries that the climate crisis affects everyone despite of the size of an economy. It is alarming that the United Nations has warned that the world is on the verge of a “climate catastrophe”, as the UNEP report showed how countries are far behind schedule in reducing global warming emissions. China is currently the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases, producing about three times more than the United States, which is in second place, and more than four times as much as India and the European Union. Despite having the largest population and per capita greenhouse gas emissions that are around 40% bigger than those of Europe and four times larger than India, China’s emissions are still roughly a third lower than those of the United States. It is good to see that world leaders are talking about climate change and considering different options to deal with the issue in order to avoid the worst consequences.

The newly clinched deal between Lebanon and Israel has been applauded by the UN Security Council and the member states. In a press statement issued in a response to the agreement between Lebanon and Israel the members appreciated each side for ending the long running dispute of maritime boundary. The UN Security Council said “the deal is a major step, which would contribute to the stability, security, and prosperity of the region. The agreement will benefit both the countries and their people and will allow them to benefit equitably from energy resources in the eastern Mediterranean.” Meanwhile, the President of the United States, Joe Biden hailed the agreement and congratulated heads of Lebanon and Israel separately.

 

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Author

Ezba Walayat

Research Associate, Pakistan House

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