Global Warming

Syllabus: Environment

Source:  IE

 Context: The year 2024 marked a grim milestone as global temperatures breached the 1.5°C threshold for the first time.

Definition:

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the atmosphere, primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Mechanism of Global Warming:

• Solar Radiation Absorption: Sunlight reaches Earth, and the surface absorbs solar energy, heating up the planet.
• Infrared Radiation Emission: Earth radiates the absorbed energy back into the atmosphere as infrared radiation (heat).
• Greenhouse Gas Trapping: GHGs like CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O trap this heat in the atmosphere, preventing it from escaping into space.
• Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: Increased GHG concentrations amplify the natural greenhouse effect, causing more heat retention and warming.
• Feedback Loops: Melting ice reduces albedo (reflectivity), absorbing more heat, while warming oceans release stored CO₂, further accelerating warming.

2024 Data on Global Warming:

• Average Global Temperature: 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels; the warmest year on record.
• Days Breaching 1.5°C: 173 days in 2023; projections for 2024 indicate over 200 days exceeding the threshold.
• Sea Level Rise: Accelerated melting of polar ice caps and glaciers contributing to higher sea levels.
• Emissions Gap: IPCC data shows only a 2% reduction in global emissions by 2024, far below the required 43% cut by 2030.

Government Schemes to Tackle Global Warming:

• Global Initiatives:

• • Paris Agreement (2015): Limit warming below 2°C with updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
  • Green Climate Fund: Provides financial resources to developing nations for climate-resilient projects.
  • UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol: Frameworks for global cooperation in emissions reduction.

• Indian Schemes:

• • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes missions on renewable energy, water conservation, and energy efficiency.
  • Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME): Promotes e-mobility to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
  • National Green Hydrogen Mission: Aims to develop clean energy solutions.
  • State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Tailored state-level initiatives under the NAPCC.
  • Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Enhances energy efficiency in industries and power plants.

Consequences of Global Warming:

• Human Impact:

• • Health Risks: Heat stress, asthma, and vector-borne diseases are on the rise.
  • Food Security: Crop failures and reduced yields due to droughts and floods.
  • Migration: Displacement from coastal and drought-affected regions.
  • Economic Losses: Damage to infrastructure and loss of livelihoods from extreme events.
  • Social Inequalities: Marginalized communities bear disproportionate impacts.

• Environmental Impact:

• • Loss of Biodiversity: Habitat destruction leading to species extinction.
  • Polar Melting: Accelerated ice melt increases sea levels and alters ecosystems.
  • Ocean Acidification: Absorption of CO₂ harms marine life and ecosystems.
  • Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and severity of cyclones, heatwaves, and droughts.
  • Deforestation and Desertification: Degraded landscapes reduce Earth’s carbon-absorbing capacity.

Way Ahead:

• Accelerate Emissions Reductions: Shift to renewables and phase out fossil fuels globally.
• Climate Adaptation: Invest in infrastructure to withstand extreme weather, such as early warning systems.
• Technological Innovations: Focus on AI, quantum systems, and carbon capture technologies for clean energy.
• Global Cooperation: Fulfill commitments under the Paris Agreement and provide financial aid to vulnerable nations.
• Local Action: Promote sustainable agriculture, urban planning, and reforestation projects.

Conclusion:

The year 2024 highlights the urgency to act against global warming. While the 1.5°C target seems unattainable, accelerating adaptation and mitigation efforts can minimize its adverse impacts and secure a sustainable future.

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