Two very significant climate commitments were made in 2021. On April 21, 2021, 43 financial institutions from around the world formed the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). They pledged to make all lending and investment portfolios net greenhouse gas neutral by 2050. More than a year later, NZBA grew into a strong 108-member alliance that committed to discontinuing finance to coal-related activities in developed nations, and other countries by 2030 and 2040, respectively.
While scientists are still under dilemma, whether climate change has enhanced hurricane Fiona’s strength or nature’s, there’s valid proof that these disastrous storms are becoming worse with time.
You’re aware of climate change, of course. After all, you read and watch the news. And lately, there has been a lot of fuss about it in the media, ain’t it? Melting glaciers, scorching temperatures, the wildfires, the heatwaves, the flooding, the droughts – all fallouts of climate change, so the scientists claim.
The challenge to maintain global warming below 1.5°C has reached a point of “now or never”. A study report issued by IPCC working Group III claimed that nations worldwide need to take all required measures to bring down the greenhouse gas emissions so as to limit global warming.
Pakistan has been through one of the toughest times in its history since its inception. The devastating floods that have swamped over one-third of Pakistan have received wide media coverage globally. Flooding in Pakistan has killed at least 1,400 people and caused more than $30 billion in damage since June 2022.
Climate Action is one of the major global concerns at present. This is perhaps the most contentious issue that brings every single leader of the world to a common forum. Sustainable Development Goal-13 is about climate action, and is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The official mission statement of this goal is to
Two days ago a small rivulet flowing in front of my house swelled, turning and tossing things parked on the road adjacent to the small rivulet. Gushes of water entered a portion of my house compound. The nature’s fury hitherto watched from a distance, was in front of me for the first time. If I honestly remember, my first thoughts, it was fear and impending doom.
Incessant heavy rainfall and floods occurring over peninsular India indicate a radical change in the monsoon patterns. The IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) report, published on March 30, 2021 showed the variability and changes in the monsoon rainfalls of 29 states and Union territories at state as well as district levels.
If it comes as a surprise to you that the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico have been experiencing the worst drought in 1200 years, i.e., since the year 800 CE, your response is a scathing indictment of the Indian media’s coverage of global climate change.
India, with momentum in its favour, is leveraging every instrument available to pursue a low-carbon path. The latest one being the establishment of carbon credit markets, as per the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which the Lok Sabha passed on August 8.