The Copenhagen summit opened with a hope that some concrete consensus would be reached at and it will lead to some action plan. These actions would be implemented by all parties, taking into account their common but differentiated responsibilities.
The ill-effects due to global warming
Warming of the climate is indisputable as is now evident from observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and rising sea level. And most of these adverse effects since the mid-20th century are very likely due to the increase in anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. In the 20th century, average global temperature increased by 0.74 degree C while sea level rise resulting from thermal expansion of the ocean and melting of ice across the globe amounted to 17 cms.
If proper mitigation policies are not incorporated, the consequences in the long-term can be possible disappearance of sea ice, increase in hot extreme temperatures, increase in cyclone intensity, decrease in usable water resources, oceans becoming more acidic, extinction of species etc.
Several small island states and low lying coastal nations like Maldives, Bangladesh with land surface barely a metre or two above the sea level, would find that every storm surge and major swell of the seas represents a serious danger to life and property.
The necessary steps
The global community has a moral and material responsibility to do all it can to limit the growing impacts of climate change on these and other vulnerable societies across the globe. The ultimate objective of the convention for climate change could be to stabilise the GHG concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent anthropogenic interference with the climate system.
Societies must now respond to climate change by adapting to its impacts and reducing GHG emissions. There are viable adaptation options that can be implemented in several sectors at low cost and high benefit. Also it’s better to take early steps. Based on this reality this conference must put in place measures for financing adaptation projects in some of the most vulnerable regions in the world.
Is it feasible?
There seems to be a trade-off between growth and control of GHG emissions. But technology has given and will continue to give ample and viable options. Promoting green projects and green technology is one solution. Although individuals and institutions have started work on such green projects, it did not receive its deserved encouragement and attention. Rain water harvesting, use of renewable sources of energy, use of internet, afforestration and other cost-effective solutions will help us to come up with sustainable solutions to run business while not compromising on growth.
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Large scale mitigation actions need to be taken by the conference. This must involve action in the developed countries because the developed country parties must take the lead in combating climate change and the adverse effects thereof. Mitigation of emissions is essential because the IPCC has assessed its costs as modest. According to IPCC, to limit average temperature increase at 2 to 2.4 degree C, the cost of mitigation by 2030 would not exceed 3% of the GDP. Mitigation carries many co-benefits, such as lower levels of air pollution and associated health benefits, higher energy security, larger employment, and stable agricultural production, and global food security. A move to renewable sources of energy would prove that employment generation would take place with enhanced output.
The evidence is now overwhelming that the world would benefit from early action, and that delay would only lead to costs in economic and human terms that would progressively become high.
