COP28 in Dubai (Conference of the Parties) has kicked off with much anticipation and a plethora of hopeful, sustainable solutions to combat climate change. 2023 is most likely to go down in the books as the hottest year on record. World leaders from 197 countries and the European Union gathered to work together, striving to keep the global temperature increase no more than 1.5 Celsius above the pre-industrial level and pushing for net-zero emissions by 2050. Our World is currently at 1.2C above this level.
At this year’s COP28 Summit, each of these Nations' report cards will be assessed since the commitment of each at the 2015 Paris Agreement. To get even close to the 1.5C target, it means we must collectively cut emissions in half by 2030, that’s only seven years from today! As COP28 participants regroup, refocus, and reenergize their solutions, policies, financial commitments, and actions it is clear that heavy emphasis is on the following:
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency can significantly reduce emissions in transportation, buildings, manufacturing, and other major industries. This involves adopting energy-saving technologies, better insulation, efficient appliances, and optimizing manufacturing processes. There is a new, showstopping, game-changing technology, which multiplies output by 7 times the input and significantly reduces the use and cost of energy. Governments and Agencies need to implement policies to accelerate and streamline the process of renewable energy permits, modernize grids, solve supply chain bottlenecks, and ensure secure integration of variable renewables.
Renewable Energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power) significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and requires investment in renewable energy infrastructure. While there have been big innovative strides in this direction, we still have a long way to go. Demand for fossil fuels needs to be reduced by 25% minimum by 2030 and by some 80% by 2050 if we are to get close to net zero.
Transportation/Electrification: Transitioning from gasoline and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs) and investing in charging infrastructure have the potential to reduce emissions by nearly 20% by 2030. Electrification not only reduces emissions but also quantifiable enhances air quality. Cost and affordability are also significant factors in this rollout.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Innovative methods & systems of developing and deploying carbon capture technologies can reduce CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere. Captured carbon can be stored or utilized.
Nature-Based Solutions: Protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and other ecosystems can work collectively in naturally absorbing carbon dioxide. Practices like afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable land management contribute to carbon sequestration.
Circular Economy and Sustainable Practices: Embracing a circular economy model and adopting sustainable practices in production and consumption is imperative in significantly minimizing emissions. By reducing waste and promoting recycling, we can make a significant impact in preserving the environment.
By continuously innovating, providing policy support, collaborating globally, and taking corporate and individual actions, we can collectively make significant progress toward achieving net-zero emissions. It is only by working together that we can ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. A successful COP28 hinges on major emitting nations agreeing to more ambitious emission reductions and moving with great speed of execution.
About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff has over the years focused keenly on Finance & Capital Development for Projects that improve the quality of life of Humanity. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall socio-economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch and collaborates with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change.
This is very well written. I am amazed with the facts given in this article. We all need to take initiative on the climate change, it affects all of us in longer life..
Hello everyone thanks
Climate change is one of the hottest topics around the world right now! This article sheds some light on what is being done globally to help reduce carbon emissions. Very informative and well written.
Fantastic article by all standard which makes for an intresting reading more impotantly all the relevant issues at the just ended COP28 summit well captured.We all need to put all hands on deck and be intentional about driving to a green world.