Key Takeaways:
– Global warming is likely to reach 2.7°C by 2100 due to existing governmental climate policies.
– 2023 was named the hottest year on record, although 2024 may overtake this.
– The burning of fossil fuels reached record highs in 2023.
– Insufficient global actions and commitments to combat climate change.
– Countries urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen climate monitoring.
Global Temperature Rise Predicted
An alarming forecast was recently made during a climate change conference warning that the earth’s temperature is set to rise. If present actions by world governments continue, global warming could reach 2.7°C by 2100. If no additional efforts are made to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures might increase even more. There’s a one-in-three chance we could see over 3°C of warming by century’s end. And a one-in-ten chance we could go beyond 3.6°C. Such a level of warming could be disastrous for our planet.
Global Climate Action Stagnates
Over the past three years, global efforts to combat climate change have stagnated. This disturbing trend highlights a stark disconnect between the rapidly changing climate and the lacklustre speed of policy changes aimed at curbing emission rates. Governments worldwide haven’t been doing enough to roll back the tide, and evidence suggests they’ve even contributed to increases in fossil fuel usage. We’ve observed no notable advances in climate targets since 2024.
Combined Reports Reflect Growing Concerns
This news isn’t the first warning sign. It follows a series of reports published at or before the climate change conference, which consistently outline rising greenhouse gas emissions and occurrences of climate extremes. Meanwhile, most governments are taking no significant actions. The U.N. Emissions Gap Report, released in October, signaled the world is on course for 3.1°C of warming if current policies continue. Additionally, the World Meteorological Organization’s recent findings confirm that 2023 saw record atmospheric levels of the three main greenhouse gases.
Surpassing Climate Agreement Limits
Unfortunately, 2023 was also the hottest year we’ve ever seen, and 2024 is likely to surpass it. Between January and September this year, global temperatures averaged 1.54°C above preindustrial levels, breaching the 1.5°C limit set under the Paris agreement. This points to a future plagued with severe weather patterns, including flooding, drought, and wildfires.
Increasing Carbon Emissions
Despite the alarming impacts of climate change, fossil fuel consumption has yet to peak. Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are expected to reach an all-time high of 37.4 billion metric tons of CO2 by 2024, indicating a 0.8% increase since 2023. This disappointing increase is raising growing concerns among experts, demanding immediate reduction of emissions to meet the Paris agreement goals and prevent a surge beyond 2°C warming.
The Clean Energy Paradox
Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power have gained popularity. However, our persistent reliance on fossil fuels undermines this positive shift. Investment in renewable energy and clean transport is twice that of fossil fuels. Yet, funding for oil, gas, and coal has quadrupled between 2021 and 2022, with fossil fuel subsidies hitting record highs. This discrepancy reveals a clear failure in our efforts to combat climate change.
Countries Need to Lead the Fight
It is essential that the world’s largest emitters step up and lead the way. They must align their 2035 targets with the 1.5°C goal set by the Paris agreement. But, there’s uncertainty as to whether the incoming US administration will support these actions. Despite this doubt, the momentum for clean energy within the US will be challenging to halt. Despite any potential setbacks, the world must continue advancing towards a future where climate policies effectively combat global warming.