In News: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful message on climate change on 27 July, urging immediate radical action to address the record-shattering July temperatures, which he believes indicate that the Earth has entered an “era of global boiling” surpassing warming phase.

What is Global Warming?

An increase in the average atmospheric temperature on the earth’s surface is referred to as global warming. Climate patterns are affected due to the effects of global warming in the troposphere. Global warming is mainly due to the global activity of emission of greenhouse gases by industries, vehicles, and so on.

Possible reasons for global warming

• Burning fossil fuels – Fossil fuels are used worldwide for even the smallest of our needs. However, burning coal oils heat the environment and subsequently heats the atmosphere and hence, the globe gets warmer.

• Excessive use of resources – Every resource we use is eventually linked to global warming as heat release can be observed at every stage – even the use of the most miniature LED bulb.

• Deforestation – The process of cutting down trees without planting has a significant role in global warming and climate change. It is because trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, but the stored CO2 is released into the atmosphere when they are cut.

Harsh Summer in Northern Hemisphere

• July 2023 will likely break numerous temperature records, highlighting the urgency of the climate crisis. 
• Unless there is a mini-Ice Age in the next few days, July 2023 is expected to break records across various aspects.

Fossil Fuel Sector Criticism

• Unbreathable Air : The air quality in some regions has deteriorated to a point where it becomes hazardous to breathe.
  • High levels of air pollution, often caused by emissions from vehicles, industries, and deforestation, lead to health issues such as respiratory problems and exacerbate existing conditions like asthma.
• Unbearable Heat: Rising global temperatures have resulted in intense heatwaves, making some areas unbearably hot.
  • Extreme heat poses significant risks to human health, triggering heat-related illnesses, and can also lead to heatstroke and dehydration.
  • Additionally, it impacts agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems, creating various challenges for communities and ecosystems alike.
• Unacceptable Profits: The fossil fuel industry’s excessive profits contribute to global warming, urging the need for sustainable alternatives to address climate change effectively.

Climate Ambition Summit

About : The summit brings together leaders from across all levels of government, as well as the private sector and civil society, to present more ambitious and high-quality climate commitments, and measures to limit global warming to 1.5C.

Aim : Both developed nations are encouraged to make a firm commitment to attaining carbon neutrality by the year 2040, while emerging economies are urged to set their sights on achieving the same objective as close to 2050 as feasible.

Key Takeaways from the summit:

• The United Kingdom has pledged to double its climate finance contribution to USD 15.5 billion over the next five years.
• The European Investment Bank has announced a goal of 50% of investments going toward the climate and environment sectors by 2025. It also called for climate finance commitments to support the most vulnerable and ambitious adaptation plans and underlying policies.
• China has committed to lower its carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by over 65% from 2005 levels by 2030.

Current Status of Global Emissions

• Five years after the Paris agreement, all states have submitted their national contributions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
• The contributions are radically insufficient to reach the well below 2 degrees Celsius limit and are even further from the 1.5 degrees Celsius temperature limit identified in the Paris Agreement.
• Besides India, only Bhutan, the Philippines, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Morocco and Gambia were complying with the accord.
• China has the highest GHG emissions (30%) while the US contributes 13.5% and the EU 8.7%.

Conclusion:

• Temperature rise in India differs from the global average due to various factors.
• India’s tropical location, land-ocean dynamics, and aerosol concentrations influence temperature trends.
• Understanding these complexities is essential for comprehending the impact of climate change in India.

Arrival of Era of Global Boiling,Arrival of Era of Global Boiling

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