In recent years, the world has seen a marked increase in global temperatures. As a result, urgent questions about containing the negative effects of climate change have arisen. One of the most pressing of these queries relates to the probability of limiting global warming to 1.5C, and whether it is a feasible goal. After assessing current evidence, it appears that while it is possible to aim for a 1.5C target, such an effort will require extraordinary measures and resources to implement.
The Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2016, seeks to limit the global average temperature rise to ‘well below 2C’ with efforts to limit it to 1.5C. Nonetheless, achieving this limit is no easy feat, and scientists are concerned that something more drastic needs to be done to avoid hazardous levels of global warming. For instance, due to the increased atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, temperatures could exceed 3C by the end of the century. It is thus crucial to recognize that these extreme changes are made more difficult to limit as time passes. This is why current action must be taken.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has advocated for global net human-caused CO2 emissions to reach zero by 2050. Stemming from that goal, a range of strategies would need to be implemented in order to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. These strategies would include energy efficiency, renewable energy sources, improvements in urban planning and agricultural practices, as well as economic strategies. The latter is particularly noteworthy because it would also help stimulate green economies and aid countries in their fight against poverty.
Although limiting warming to 1.5C could be seen as ambitious, the current response to climate change is far from being satisfactory. It is therefore necessary to take more stringent measures in order to attain the goal of 1.5C. With this in mind, it is apparent that a number of nations, companies and individuals need to work towards the same goal. All nations need to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere and further incentives and support must be provided to stimulate the green economy. Individuals must also be encouraged to take responsibility for their own activities and consumption, such as opting for more eco-friendly modes of transport, using energy-efficient appliances, eating more sustainably produced food, etc.
Ultimately, whether or not we are able to limit global warming to 1.5C is dependent on nation’s ability to work cooperatively towards our common goal. By leveraging the power of collective action, we can create effective and lasting solutions to the climate crisis. To quote Malala Yousafzai, “We cannot succeed when half of us are held back.” It is thus essential that everyone recommits to the fight against climate change and works hard to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
