Climate change analysts have coined a new concept called the “2050 scenario” that outlines a template of adversities that humanity might face if policymakers do not transition to sustainable strategies. As per the “2050 scenario” if peak industrialization and pollution continue at the current rapid scale, then global temperature levels will rise by 3 degrees Celsius leading to polar ice caps melting, natural ecosystems dying, species going extinct and water levels rising to 20 meters which will take away a large chunk of the Earth’s habitable land area. These indicators are truly frightening but also scientifically accurate, hinting toward a dangerous future.
Understanding Climate Change
Climate change can be defined as the terrifying change in the global weather patterns which increases the atmospheric temperature leading to excess heat waves. The increasing heat levels as a result of pollution and carbon emissions are destroying natural ecological resources. Several species of plants and animals are facing the risk of extinction and changes in the Earth’s seasonal patterns are impacting the lives and habitation of people around the globe.
When we talk about climate change, we often seem to be underestimating the overall impact that climate change can have on the planet and humanity’s future. Due to a lack of awareness regarding the concept, there is widescale neglect which could continue to have adverse impacts on the natural ecosystem. The Global Carbon Project reported in 2019 that the world’s greenhouse gas emissions were equivalent to 59 billion tonnes of which the different GHG compositions were
• Carbon – 75%
• Methane – 18%
• Nitrous Oxide – 4%
• Fluorinated Gases – 2%
Understanding Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions that have been generated measured in tonnes of CO2. Greenhouse gases are the gases in the atmosphere that produce the “greenhouse effect” and contribute to global warming and climate change. Thus, when we say carbon footprint, it is a means of calculating the contribution of a person or organization toward the overall carbon output. For example, if you drive to work every day, your carbon footprint might be bigger than a person who relies on public transport because you’re emitting more greenhouse gas.
The metric used to measure the carbon footprint is CO2e, which stands for carbon dioxide equivalent and is a standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. It essentially takes any quantity or type of greenhouse gas and expresses it in the amount of CO2 that would have the equivalent global warming impact. It just allows us to easily compare impacts across different gases.
The United Nations calls for Cooperation by Nations
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) have announced various sustainable goals and policies for nations to implement to ensure reduced emissions of carbon levels. The UN has called all nations for global cooperation in an attempt to create international response to motivate leaders and policymakers to take up responsibility and accountability to counter the carbon footprint that is being contributed by individual countries.
