So Much For the Paris Agreement – We’re Releasing More Greenhouse Gases Than Ever Globally

And climate scientists say if we don’t reduce it by a staggering 42%, it’s only going to get worse – and warmer. 

A Natural Phenomenon 

When it comes to a change in climate, humans can’t take all the blame. 

That’s because a long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns can also occur naturally due to various reasons, like a giant volcanic eruption. 

But Not in This Case 

However, since the 1800s, we humans ARE to blame for the major change in climate, especially thanks to the burning of fossil fuels like coal and gas. 

The More We Evolve… 

And let’s not forget about the Industrial Revolution from the mid-20th century, which has led to the dramatic increase of CO2 and other greenhouse gases being released into the atmosphere. 

… the More Dangerous We Become 

This swift escalation resulted in a much larger amount of solar heat being trapped in our atmosphere. The result is a global rise in temperatures, including areas where relatively limited industrial activity takes place. 

What’s more, it’s estimated that about 90% of that heat is absorbed by our oceans. 

From Bad to Worse 

And it’s accelerating at an alarming pace.

John Miller, a climate scientist at NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), told Scripps News: “What is really surprising to me is the fact that we have a major increase in the level of CO2 in the atmosphere. Not just in one year, but rather two years in a row of sustained large increases.”    

Our Own Worst Enemies? 

In short, human-driven climate change is a major threat to all countries.

As stated by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations: “We are not only in danger, we ARE the danger.”

Is There Some Good News? 

But are we making any progress in fighting this growing danger?

According to the new Emissions Gas Report by the UN Environment Programme, yes. 

How So? 

Because when the Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, it was estimated that greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 16% by 2030.

That projected increase today stands at only 3%. 

The Flip Side 

But the decrease in greenhouse gases is another story. 

Because to stick to the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping the global temperature rise under 2°C, greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by 28%. 

And to limit that increase to 1.5°C, those emissions need to drop by 42%. 

Too Much Power? 

The burning of fossil fuels as well as the unequal and unsustainable use of land and energy is the cause of our planet’s temperature warming by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. 

Thanks to Us 

The result is a heightened occurrence and severity of extreme weather events which is negatively affecting both humans and nature worldwide. 

Turning Nature Against Us 

2023 is officially the hottest year on record – and the increase in heat waves, flooding, hurricanes, and wildfires is, according to climate scientists, because of all the extra heat being pumped into our atmosphere. 

America, Lead the Way

To solve the problem of a warming planet means solving carbon emissions. 

Speaking to Scripps News, scientist Bill Nye claims: “The United States has to lead the world in addressing global climate change, and in order to do that we have to reduce our emissions and come up with new ways to provide electricity to more and more people around the world.” 

Not Much Time 

To bridge the gap between current adaptation efforts and required measures, accelerated actions to address global warming must be implemented within this decade. 

Is It Possible? 

If we are to confine that temperature rise to 1.5°C, greenhouse gas emissions should already be dropping and be reduced by nearly 50% come 2030. 

What Else Is Being Done? 

Together, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme established the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). 

The IPCC proposes implementing a “climate-resilient development”, which entails combining strategies to adapt to climate change with initiatives aimed at reducing or avoiding the emission of greenhouse gases, resulting in more widespread advantages.  

Just Imagine… 

An example would be providing access to clean energy and technologies to enhance health, particularly when it comes to women and children. 

Not only can changes like low-carbon electrification, cycling, and public transport help to boost air quality, but they can also improve health and employment opportunities, plus greater equity. 

The Facts Are These (1 of 2)

Among the findings listed in the Synthesis Report of the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report are the fact that:

• We are responsible for the warming of our atmosphere, oceans, and land.
• The magnitude of our climate system’s recent changes is unparalleled. 

The Facts Are These (2 of 2) 

• People’s and ecosystems’ vulnerability to global warming varies significantly both among different regions, as well as within them. 
• If global temperatures temporarily rise above 1.5°C in the next few decades (or beyond), various human- and natural systems will encounter additional dangerous risks compared to keeping temperatures under the 1.5°C limit. 

Pessimistic or Realistic? 

As stated by Clayton Sandell, National Correspondent for Scripps News: “When you look at the record, which goes back to the 1850s, the 10 warmest years have all happened in the last decade. And that is a trend that climate scientists say will continue.” 

And then he adds: “The global temperature in 2024 could go even higher than last year.”

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Featured Image Credit: Pexel / Boris Hamer.

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