International Day against Climate Change 2023

2023-10-20 18:48:10

On October 24, the International Day against Climate Change is celebrated. Although this anniversary has not been explicitly approved by the United Nations resolution—like the International Earth Day (April 22) or World Environment Day (June 5)—its impact and dissemination is very important. In fact, it is an initiative supported by the UN in order to generate actions to counteract climate change.

In a world increasingly aware of the need to preserve the planet, Climate Change Day emerges as a beacon of alert and action. This date highlights the urgency of addressing the phenomenon that has irreversibly altered the face of the Earth: anthropogenic climate change. From the unstoppable increase in temperatures to the transformation of ecosystems, its impacts are incontestable.

What is climate change and what causes it?

United Nations defines climate change as a long-term variation in temperatures and weather patterns. This can occur naturally due to various factors, such as variations in solar radiation, volcanic eruptions, and changes in the Earth’s orbit. However, today, the term “climate change” is commonly used to refer to anthropogenic climate change, that is, climate change caused primarily by human activities.

Since the end of the 19th century, human action, such as the burning of fossil fuels (such as oil, gas and coal) to obtain energy, deforestation, intensive agriculture and industrial production, have released large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG). ) in the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from the sun in the atmosphere, leading to an increase in the Earth’s average temperature, a phenomenon known as global warming. Since 1990, in fact, global carbon dioxide emissions have increased by 50%.

Climate researchers have conclusively established that these human activities are primarily responsible for the accelerated global warming of the last two centuries. Currently, the average temperature of the Earth is 1.1 °C above the levels at the end of the 19th century, before the industrial era, marking an absolute maximum in the last 100 years. The past decade (2011-2020) held the title of the warmest ever recorded. In fact, each of the last four decades has surpassed any other since 1850 in temperature.

Consequences of climate change

While it is common to think that climate change is limited to an increase in temperatures, this only constitutes the prologue to the narrative. Since the Earth is an interconnected system, changes in one region can trigger repercussions in all the others. The complexity and magnitude of these interactions highlight the prevailing need to address this global challenge with the utmost seriousness and collaboration.

The effects of climate change are diverse and may include:

Increase in global temperature: This causes phenomena such as more intense and prolonged heat waves. Change in precipitation patterns: There may be longer droughts in some areas and heavier rains in others. Melting glaciers and polar ice caps: This contributes to sea level rise. Sea level rise: Can lead to flooding of coastal areas and salinization of aquifers. Impact on biodiversity: Changes in ecosystems and the distribution of species. Alteration of migratory patterns and species behaviors: Some animals and plants may be affected in their search for suitable habitats. Impact on agriculture and food availability: Changes in cropping patterns and water availability. Threat to human health: Climate change can affect the spread of vector-borne diseases and worsen certain health conditions.

It is also worth noting that climate change can affect people unequally depending on where they live, as those who live in small island nations or other developing countries are especially vulnerable. Conditions such as sea level rise and saltwater intrusion have advanced to the point where entire communities have had to relocate, and prolonged droughts are creating a risk of famine. In fact, almost half of the world’s population lives in regions that are highly sensitive to climate change. In the last decade, the number of fatalities as a result of floods, droughts and storms was 15 times higher in highly vulnerable regions and the number of “climate refugees” is expected to increase in the future.

Limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C is the goal

In line with the latest UN reports, a coalition of thousands of scientists and government experts agree that restricting global temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels should be the solution to to avoid the most devastating consequences of climate change and preserve a habitable environment. However, current policies outline a less encouraging scenario, pointing towards an increase of 2.8 °C by the end of this century.

The influx of emissions that trigger climate change originates in all corners of the globe and has an equitable impact on all nations. However, it is undeniable that some nations hold a significantly higher quota. The seven main emitters – China, the United States, India, the European Union, Indonesia, Russia and Brazil – accounted for half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions during 2020. It is a shared responsibility, but those who contribute more pronouncedly to this problem, they have the prerogative of leading change efforts.

Role of governments and international organizations in the fight against climate change

He Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body responsible for evaluating scientific knowledge related to climate change. It was established in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization (OMM) to provide political leaders with regular scientific assessments of climate change. The IPCC is the most important body on this topic, and consists of 195 member states that are in turn members of the United Nations or the WMO. It is a global group of experts that analyzes research on climate change. They offer detailed reports on their causes, impacts and how to mitigate them. They have three working groups and one specialized in measuring emissions. Their evaluations help governments formulate climate policies and are essential in international negotiations.

In its sixth evaluation report approved at the Interlaken meeting, the present and future impacts of climate change are highlighted, highlighting its particular impact on the most vulnerable populations and ecosystems. The urgent need for accelerated adaptive actions to close the gap between current and required measures is emphasized. To limit warming to 1.5°C (Goal of the Paris Agreement), it is urgent to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030. Climate resilient development, which integrates both adaptation and mitigation, is highlighted as the fundamental strategy. The crucial decisions made in the coming years will be decisive for the well-being of future generations.

The report also highlights the importance of climate justice, given that the populations least responsible for climate change are the most affected. Climate resilient development, which combines adaptation and emissions reduction, is posited as the key to a sustainable and equitable future. The active participation of governments, investors and financial regulators is essential to overcome existing obstacles and finance climate investments.

The importance of public and private financing to address climate change

Although it was agreed to provide $100 billion annually to developing countries, the most recent assessment indicates that total climate finance is still insufficient, only reaching $78.9 billion in 2018. Although investment in adaptation has increased, it represented only 21% of total public financing in 2020. Adaptation costs for developing countries are estimated between 140 billion and 300 billion dollars per year by 2030, and between 280 billion and 500 billion by 2050. Private sector involvement is crucial and could lead to a trillion-dollar transformation needed.

It is necessary to align investments with climate objectives, especially in infrastructure. It is estimated that around $90 trillion is required for climate sustainable infrastructure by 2030. Investing in resilient infrastructure in developing countries could deliver significant benefits. The transition to a green economy could generate revenues of $2.8 trillion through carbon pricing and redirecting fossil fuel subsidies toward public investments. However, the global economic response to the pandemic has not been green enough, with a disproportionate allocation to fossil fuels compared to clean energy in some G20 countries. The COVID-19 crisis has exacerbated the economic difficulties of developing countries, especially those most vulnerable to climate change.