Huang Yuh An 1908321

Prof. Jhingan, Sanjay

Earth science

An increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius in global warming

Introduction
A lot of people's knowledge of climate change comes from the 2006 documentary
"An Inconvenient Truth." They discovered that the term "global warming" refers to an
excess of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and
sub-oxide, in the atmosphere and ocean. Because of nitrogen, the earth appears to
be enclosed in a greenhouse, making it difficult for the sun's heat to escape. As a
result, the temperature rises, and various extreme weather patterns, including
droughts, torrential downpours, and heat waves, are brought on. The term "global
warming" has gradually given way to climate change in recent years, and climate
crisis has been added to emphasize that this phenomenon has an impact on more
than just temperature changes. but also impacts on life and causes various threats.

Despite the complexity of the causes of climate change, human behavior patterns
have changed the normal greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide concentrations in the
atmosphere have risen steadily over the past century as a result of the widespread
burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, as well as the extensive clearing of forest land
for agricultural and industrial development. The excess greenhouse gases in the
atmosphere have contributed to global warming after accumulating for a century. Sea
levels are rising, and low-elevation coastal areas are being inundated as a result of
the melting of Antarctic and Greenland's continental glaciers and the increase in
average ocean temperatures and seawater volume. Extreme weather, such as heat
waves, droughts, forest fires, torrential rains, floods, and blizzards, is also a result of
changing precipitation patterns and desertification in subtropical areas. There will be
widespread and severe loss of life and property due to various natural disasters.

The first working group (WG1) of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate

Change (IPCC) published the most recent basic report on physical science on
August 9, 2021. It provided the most current situation on earth following climate
change, a comparison between the past and the present, and the causes of it. This is
a crucial resource to review the global government's efforts to reduce carbon
emissions when the climate's effects are becoming increasingly severe. The
Summary for Policymakers section states that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
have reached 410 ppm, the highest level in at least 2 million years. In the
atmosphere, much carbon dioxide builds up, and the heat it absorbs raises the
surface temperature significantly. The information put forth by various IPCCs is
summarized as follows, only 0.4 degrees remains to reach the goal of 1.5 degrees
after the global surface temperature increased by nearly 1.1 degrees Celsius
between 2011 and 2020 compared to pre-industrial levels. The five years from 2016
to 2020 saw the warmest average temperature since records were kept in 1850. The
Antarctic ice sheet lost mass three times faster between 2010 and 2019 than it did
between 1992 and 1999, while the Greenland ice sheet lost mass six times faster.
The rate of sea-level rise is also rising nearly twice as quickly as it did between 1901
and 1971, as ice sheets melt. In the best-case scenario, sea levels could rise by 0.28
to 0.55 meters in 2100 because climate change is causing irreversible phenomena.
Although there has been a definite correlation between CO2 and temperature over
the previous million years, extrapolating that relate to changes in the Earth's climate
in the future is challenging. For example, global temperatures grew by around 4C at
the end of the previous ice age, while atmospheric CO2 concentrations rose by about
50%. If CO2 were the only thing affecting the climate, this would mean that the
climate is very sensitive to CO2—around 8C per doubling of CO2. This is a lot more
than what is currently thought based on climate models and other evidence curves.

How grave a problem is global warming?

What is the difference between limiting the rise in average temperature to within 1.5
and 2 degrees Celsius? The IPCC noted that although extreme heat will happen
more frequently even if global average warming stabilizes at 1.5 degrees Celsius, the
intensity of extreme heat will at least double if the average temperature rises to 2
degrees Celsius, and it will quadruple if it reaches 3 degrees. In July 2021, the west
coast of North America experienced temperatures as high as 49.5 degrees Celsius,
which led to numerous fatalities, wildfires, and power outages. Fires broke out
frequently in places like Greece, Turkey, Finland, and Russia due to the same dry,
hot weather. Forests are burned in fires, which increase climate change by releasing
large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The Climate Action Tracker (CAT) estimates that the world could warm by up to 3
degrees Celsius by the end of the century if governments continue to implement
harmful policies to meet their carbon reduction obligations. The end of the century
may seem far off, but there are less than 80 years left, and future generations will be
affected. Catastrophic consequences, including a combination of climatic events with
low probability in the past and present that will happen more frequently in the future,
are highly likely. The IPCC's Sixth Periodic Assessment Report (AR6), which
includes this report's first part on the human effects of climate change and strategies
for reducing warming, will be released in its entirety in 2022. When the fifth Periodic
Assessment Report (AR5) was published eight years ago, man-made greenhouse
gas emissions were linked to several climate extremes, including compound
extremes like dry and hot weather causing wildfires, excessive rainfall, droughts, and
tropical cyclones. However, the rate of carbon dioxide reduction is still slow.
The threat of climate change, which is escalating daily and resulting in a rising
number of extreme weather occurrences, is compelling governments to confront the
issue head-on and work together to find solutions. The Paris Agreement was
reached in 2015, and it commits nations to limit global average temperature
increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius and implement carbon reduction strategies.
The IPCC then released a special report in 2018 that reaffirmed the target of keeping
global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and established a worldwide benchmark for
the necessary actions: global carbon emissions must be cut in half by 2030 and
reach Net-zero by 2050 at the latest. Has the global carbon reduction process
followed IPCC recommendations after the report's release in 2018? This time, the
IPCC report states that approximately 40 billion tons of carbon dioxide are presently
released into the atmosphere annually as a result of human activity. Starting in 2020,
the remaining human population can fulfill the criterion of 1.5 degrees if we divide the
chance into 50% and 67%. There are currently only 400 billion to 500 billion tons of
carbon dioxide emissions. The global carbon emissions will undoubtedly exceed
current levels, and the temperature will continue to rise if low-carbon policies and
construction are not actively adopted. The IPCC stated that the 1.5°C objective is
physically feasible, but only if countries quickly reduce carbon emissions to net-zero
or less. There will also need to be a significant decrease in other greenhouse gases
in addition to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. If we successfully lower
greenhouse gas emissions, the pace of global warming will slow and the quality of
the air will improve sooner.

Some solutions that humans can do

The WG1 report does not include strategies for reducing climate risks since the IPCC
is not authorized to make policy recommendations. Greenpeace, a recognized
observer, is particularly concerned about the climate problem and calls on
governments all over the world to enact carbon reduction targets. Greenpeace
advises that before the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change (COP26), which will be held from October 31 to
November 12, 2021, government leaders must propose compliance with 1.5 degrees
Celsius. Scientific evidence demonstrates that the climate has entered a state of
emergency.

Utilize the chance for green revitalization proactively. The world is warming by 2.9
degrees Celsius, based on the modest rate of carbon reduction currently in place.
The temperature may rise by around 2.4 degrees, beyond the potential of 2 degrees
Celsius, even if the existing new climate commitments are gradually implemented. 80
or so percent or so. The opportunity to refocus policy and implement a robust green
rejuvenation that will be the key to success and, if implemented, will help decrease
the rate of warming is presented in the post-COVID-19 period. There shouldn't be
any additional investments made in fossil fuels because they are the primary source
of today's carbon emissions and release significant volumes of greenhouse gases
into the atmosphere when burned or mined. Therefore, all countries should stop
funding new fossil fuel initiatives and gradually phase out their old infrastructure to
slow down climate change. In many areas, coal, oil, and natural gas have been
replaced by solar and wind energy, which has become the least expensive new
energy source. Natural ecosystems should be preserved and restored to foster
resilience, and healthy ecosystems contribute to resilience in the face of inevitable
climate shocks. By 2030, we must safeguard at least 30% of land and oceans and
limit harm to marine ecosystems brought on by human activity if we want nature to
give us a favor. The use of carbon removal methods must not be trusted. Large-scale
carbon removal methods are still largely theoretical, and even if they are put into
practice, there will be a variety of negative side effects that would harm biodiversity,
water supply, and food production. question. We ought to focus our conversations
and efforts on stopping further carbon dioxide emissions and lowering carbon levels
at the source. Reduced carbon emissions should also be the responsibility of
financial institutions. Financial institutions like banks, asset management firms and
insurance firms should stop funding fossil fuel companies and direct those that hold
shares and lend money to do so in a way that supports the Paris Climate
Agreement's objectives. They should even direct investment toward goals that help
keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Governments must take climate risks into account in all future development plans,
water management plans, infrastructure projects, and strategies for food security.
The foundation of any endeavor to adapt to climate change and provide
compensation must be the polluter pays principle. Governments around the world are
required to abide by the 1.5 °C temperature limit, cut carbon emissions in half by
2030, and achieve Net-Zero by 2050 to prevent the safety of more people's lives and
property. This is demonstrated by scientific evidence, which demonstrates that the
climate has entered a state of emergency. threaten. The past year has seen various
intensities of drought and flooding around the globe. To speed up the energy
transition, prepare for green infrastructure, and quickly reach net-zero carbon
emissions, central and municipal governments must consult the trend data from the
IPCC Sixth Periodic Assessment Report. The goal is protected by the law. Join the
force of change, call on the government to accept accountability, take action on
behalf of the populace to resolve the climate issue, and defend my home as well as
yours.

Conclusion
The fight against climate change has evolved into a global issue. It not only has an
impact on all nations but the decision-makers and leaders must also change it.
Climate change mitigation has now become a trend that the business investment
sector is worried about, and several nations have established carbon neutrality goals.
We still need people to help along this path to mobilize the power of citizens, demand
that local governments and businesses address the climate issue, establish
aggressive carbon reduction targets, make the right choices for people, and the next
generation, and work toward a future that is safe and habitable.

Reference:
https://www.climaterealityproject.org/blog/inconvenient-truth-then-and-now
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
https://www.ipcc.ch/ar6-syr/
https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar5/
https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar5/wg3/
https://www.carbonbrief.org/explainer-how-the-rise-and-fall-of-co2-levels-influenced-
the-ice-ages/