Rising global temperatures have led to environmental degradation, resulting in rising sea levels, dying coral reefs, heatwaves, and irregular monsoons. The UN called for a summit to address the threat and mitigate environmental loss. Leader appeals and agreements like the Paris Agreement aim to reduce emissions and keep global temperatures below 2-degree Celsius. Gasping for fresh air and clean environment, humanity faces challenges from increasing energy consumption and the menace of single-use plastic. Mitigating pollution, promoting clean transportation, and adopting a comprehensive developmental model are essential for achieving a healthy environment.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Rising global temperatures cause severe environmental issues like melting glaciers and irregular monsoons.
- The UN holds summits to address the ongoing threats, aiming to reduce emissions and mitigate environmental loss.
- The Paris Agreement, adopted by about 200 nations, seeks to keep global temperature rises below 2 degrees Celsius.
- Single-use plastics and fossil fuels significantly contribute to pollution and rising global temperatures, prompting government actions to ban them.
- Immediate action is essential, requiring a collective effort to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Introduction
The adverse effects of pollution and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly obvious. Increasing temperatures are clear in rising sea levels, dying coral reefs, heatwave conditions, droughts, and irregular monsoons.
“Need not Greed”
Speaking at the Climate Action Summit 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of a clean environment. He stated that “Need not greed” has been our guiding principle. We used to take only the required and replenish it thereafter. It should be the motto of all of us to keep the environment clean and healthy.
Rising Global Temperature
Scientific research has shown that the global temperature increase is on a steep rise. There is no sign of it reaching a capstone. In the Arctic region, winter temperatures have increased by up to 3 degrees Celsius. The impact of a depleting environment is clear in rising sea levels. (UN Global Climate Report)
(a) Aftereffects
The increase in global temperature contributes to:
- Dying Coral reefs
- Heatwave conditions
- Irregular Monsoon
- Disturbed Weather cycle
- Melting Glaciers
- Rising Sea level
The list is indicative. It speaks a lot about the damage caused by the rising global temperature. The harm causes hardships and irreparable loss to the ecosystems and their components. It is a great cause for concern.
(b) United Nation
The United Nations called for a summit to tackle this threat. They aimed to discuss the means to contain rising temperatures from the depleting environment. Countries involved were asked to propose ideas. They needed to suggest ways to mitigate environmental loss and detail the steps they have taken.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appealed to the world leaders. “I want to hear about how we are going to stop the increase in emissions by 2020, and dramatically reduce emissions to reach net-zero emissions by mid-century”, the UN Secretary-General said.
Among all senior luminaries, Swedish Greta Thunberg also spoke on the occasion. Speaking from this platform, the environmental crusader Greta expressed anguish on the pathetic condition of the environment. Admonishing the world leaders she questions them.
Paris Agreement
Before they determined conclusive steps to mitigate the increasing global temperature, policymakers met at Kyoto in Japan. This phenomenon is also known as global warming.
(a) Kyoto Protocol
World leaders met at Kyoto to discuss the dismal scenario of the environment. The Kyoto Protocol came into existence. Developing nations were not required to reduce their emission levels, though they were parties to the Protocol.
(b) Comprehensive Agreement
Later in 2015, a comprehensive and legally binding Paris Agreement adopted. About 200 nations reached a consensus to keep the global temperature ‘Well below’ two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial times. This agreement laid down certain norms to mitigate environmental degradation and rising temperatures. It mandated the rich countries to give ‘Climate finance’ to the poorer nation to help them cope with the situation.
(c) The US withdrawal
On June 01, 2017 the U.S. President Mr Donald Trump announced to withdraw from the Paris Agreement. “The Paris accord is very unfair at the highest level to the United States” and “puts us at a permanent disadvantage”, Mr Trump had said. This gave a setback to the cause as it made a lopsided balance.
Gasping Humanity
A developed and conscious society guarantees its members decent living and surroundings. It is incumbent upon the government to provide roads, hospitals, schools, housing and food to the people.
(a) Energy required
Energy needed to develop and fulfil the basics. It leads to the burning of fossil fuels, the establishment of powerhouses, the construction of dams and mine digging. This put pressure on natural resources. Energy-intensive, fossil fuel-driven vehicles and increased use of ACs also contribute to the rise in global temperature.
(b) Energy need and rising temperature
Energy production and consumption emit a large amount of harmful byproducts. Fast development needs land. Fast urbanisation causes pressure on agricultural land and forests. These and burning fossil fuels or energy constantly pump obnoxious materials into the air, water, and soil. Old and obsolete agricultural practices worsen the problem. Burning of stubble adds to this issue.
Humanity is reeling under increasing global temperatures and gasping for clean air, water and a healthy environment.
Carbon foot-print
Carbon footprint is on the increase. It is the sum total of obnoxious greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere by human activities. These gases include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and methane. To curb its further growth, the process of biotic carbon sequestration is an important step. Development and revival of carbon sinks is the need of the time. Indiscriminate clearing of forests and the erection of dams cause havoc.
Menace of Single-use Plastic
The single-use plastic and polyethene bags add more poison to the environment. Virtually non-destructible, the polytene remains intact in the soil for a very long period, making the soil unproductive and barren. Taking cognisance of the yawning problem, recently the government has banned single-use plastic and polythene. A few plastic products are temporarily exempted from the ban. These include PET bottles for water packaging and polythene packaging for milk and food. Nevertheless, the ban will positively affect controlling the plastic menace. The conventional cooking techniques are replaced by clean cooking gas or electricity. About 150 million families are now using clean gas for cooking.
Mitigating Rising global Temperature
Clean mode of transportation is the prerequisite for a clean atmosphere. The use of fossil fuels adds poisonous gases like carbon monoxide and nitrous oxide, besides carbon and sulphur. Use of fossil fuels is decreasing. Comparatively clean and less harmful biofuels are being mixed with conventional fuel. Besides, e-vehicles are also promoted. These steps would help in diluting the obnoxious gases in the atmosphere. Afforestation and reforestation, checking the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, are important to mitigate global warming.
Now or Never
“The time of talking is over. The world needs to act now” Modi said while concluding his speech, emphasising that much is yet to be done. He very rightly said that a comprehensive and inclusive developmental model should be adopted. People need to be educated and sensitised. Thus, with the right step in the right direction, sincere efforts will help achieve the goal of a healthy environment. environment.
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