The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture are the unequivocal cause of rising global temperatures. Since pre-industrial times, the average global temperature has risen 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. This warming is largely driven by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), that trap heat in the atmosphere. Scientists warn that exceeding 1.5°C of warming will trigger catastrophic and potentially irreversible climate change impacts.
The main contributor to climate change is the excessive carbon footprint of human societies. Carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organisation, event or product, expressed as a carbon dioxide equivalent. The global carbon footprint is approximately 53.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent per year as of 2020. This is far beyond sustainable levels, and if current emissions continue, the remaining carbon budget for staying under 1.5°C will be exhausted before 2030. At over 2 billion tons per year, China has the world's largest national carbon footprint, followed by the United States at over 1.4 billion tons.
Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, causing biodiversity loss, rising sea levels, and posing threats to food and water security. These adverse impacts disproportionately affect poor and marginalised populations. Without urgent action to curb emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere, climate change will inflict devastating harm on human societies and ecological systems worldwide.
With rising greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are urgently exploring strategies to reduce carbon footprints worldwide. Carbon footprints can be emitted directly and indirectly by individuals, organisations, products, or events. According to the IPCC, carbon footprints must decline rapidly across all sectors globally to limit future climate change. Reducing humanity's carbon footprint is essential to keeping global warming below 1.5°C and avoiding catastrophic climate disruptions.
Inhalt
Background
The Adverse Effects of Climate Change
The Recent Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
Navigating Climate Change: Solutions and Strategies
Strategies for Reducing Carbon Footprints by Region
Strategies for Reducing the Carbon Footprint
How Electric Vehicles Can Help Countries Achieve Net Zero Emissions
Transition Policies and Incentives
The Role of Individuals and Companies in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Recommendations for Tackling the Climate Crisis
Recommendation and Conclusion for Mitigating Climate Change and Reduction of Carbon Footprints
References
Background
The climate crisis is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2021), human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial agriculture are the unequivocal cause of rising global temperatures. Since pre-industrial times, the average global temperature has risen 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. This warming is largely driven by excessive greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide (CO2), that trap heat in the atmosphere (NASA, 2021). Scientists warn that exceeding 1.5°C of warming will trigger catastrophic and potentially irreversible climate change impacts.
The main contributor to climate change is the excessive carbon footprint of human societies (IPCC, 2022). Carbon footprint refers to the total greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, organisation, event or product, expressed as a carbon dioxide equivalent. The global carbon footprint is approximately 53.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent per year as of 2020 (GCB, 2022). This is far beyond sustainable levels, and if current emissions continue, the remaining carbon budget for staying under 1.5°C will be exhausted before 2030 (Climate Action Tracker, 2021). At over 2 billion tons per year, China has the world's largest national carbon footprint, followed by the United States at over 1.4 billion tons (Global Carbon Atlas, 2022).
Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, causing biodiversity loss, rising sea levels, and posing threats to food and water security (IPCC, 2022). These adverse impacts disproportionately affect poor and marginalised populations. Without urgent action to curb emissions and remove carbon from the atmosphere, climate change will inflict devastating harm on human societies and ecological systems worldwide With rising greenhouse gas emissions, researchers are urgently exploring strategies to reduce carbon footprints worldwide. Carbon footprints can be emitted directly and indirectly by individuals, organisations, products, or events (Wiedmann and Minx, 2008). According to the IPCC (2022), carbon footprints must decline rapidly across all sectors globally to limit future climate change. Reducing humanity's carbon footprint is essential to keeping global warming below 1.5°C and avoiding catastrophic climate disruptions (UNEP, 2019).
The primary motivation for researching carbon footprint reduction is to immediately curb CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change (IPCC, 2022). Global carbon footprints are over 50 billion tons annually, far exceeding the sustainable threshold for a 1.5°C trajectory (Le Quéré et al., 2018). The planet has a limited remaining carbon budget before crossing 1.5 °C, likely less than 500 billion tons (Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, 2021). Drastically shrinking carbon footprints are thus necessary across transport, energy, industry, agriculture, and all facets of the global economy.
Additionally, research aims to identify the most feasible, cost-effective ways for different entities to reduce their carbon footprints. Strategies must suit varied geographies, development statuses, and economic systems (Steininger et al., 2018). Research also analyses how to incentivise footprint reductions through policy, consumer action, and shifts in investment flows away from fossil fuels. Synthesising findings can help accelerate the large-scale adoption of evidence-based decarbonisation measures worldwide.
Investigating carbon footprint reduction is motivated by the urgent need to mitigate climate change and determine optimal strategies across contexts. This research supports both systemic and individual transitions to low-carbon models.
The Adverse Effects of Climate Change
Climate change has become one of humanity's most pressing issues in the 21st century. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human activities like burning fossil fuels have caused global temperatures to rise by 1°C above pre-industrial levels (IPCC, 2021). This warming is leading to profound changes in ecosystems and human societies worldwide. In this article, I will discuss some of climate change's significant global adverse impacts.
Rising Sea Levels
One of the most direct effects of climate change is the rise in sea levels. As global temperatures increase, land ice melts and the oceans warm and expand. According to the IPCC, global mean sea levels have risen by over 20cm since 1900 and are projected to rise by 1 meter by 2100 (IPCC, 2019). This rising sea level increases coastal flooding and erosion, especially during extreme weather events. Low-lying island nations like Tuvalu and Kiribati are at risk of becoming wholly submerged (UN News, 2019). Major coastal cities like New York and Shanghai are also vulnerable to flooding from rising seas.
Extreme Weather Events
A warmer climate is also linked to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heat waves, droughts, and storms (IPCC, 2021). The added energy in the atmosphere and oceans supercharges weather systems. Recent examples of deadly extreme weather amplified by climate change include the 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave that killed over 200 people and the Hurricane Ida storm in 2021 that led to severe flooding in New York City (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2021). Such extreme weather events cause loss of life, damage to infrastructure, and economic disruption.
Loss of Biodiversity
Climate change is also having profound impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity around the world. Shifting climate zones force many plant and animal species to move to new habitats, while some sensitive species are being pushed to extinction (WWF, 2022). Coral reefs, which support over 25% of marine biodiversity, are severely damaged by warming and acidifying oceans (IPCC, 2022). Climate change is projected to become one of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in the 21st century. This loss of species and ecosystems will harm human societies that depend on them.
Threats to Food and Water Security
Furthermore, climate change threatens many human communities' critical resources like food and water. Increased temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events negatively impact agricultural productivity in many regions (FAO, 2018). For example, droughts associated with climate change have contributed to food shortages in parts of Africa and the Middle East. Similarly, rising sea levels lead to saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources in island nations and coastal areas, threatening drinking water supplies (UN Water, 2020). These impacts undermine basic human needs for nutrition and hydration.
In conclusion, climate change is having wide-ranging harmful effects around the world. From rising seas to extreme weather, ecosystem damage and resource scarcity, the impacts of a warming climate are becoming increasingly evident. Concerted global action is required to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects, to avoid immense human suffering. The adverse consequences outlined here underscore the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building climate resilience
The Recent Adverse Impacts of Climate Change
The effects of human-caused climate change are intensifying around the world. According to data from NASA, the past eight years have been the hottest on record globally as greenhouse gas emissions continue to trap heat in the atmosphere (NASA, 2022). This warming seriously threatens human health, economies, and ecosystems. In this article, I highlight some of the significant adverse impacts of climate change witnessed in recent years.
Unprecedented Heatwaves
In the past decade, extreme heat waves of unusual intensity, duration, and geographic extent have occurred on all inhabited continents. In 2021, a heat dome in the Pacific Northwest produced record-shattering temperatures up to 116°F, causing hundreds of deaths in Canada and the US (WMO, 2022). In recent years, high-temperature records were also broken in Siberia, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia. Prolonged heat waves harm human health and disrupt agriculture and infrastructure systems.
Worsened Wildfires
Hotter temperatures and drier conditions are dramatically worsening wildfire seasons around the world. Wildfires now occur with greater frequency and ferocity compared to historic trends. In 2021, raging wildfires related to severe drought destroyed entire towns in the US and Canada, while huge fires also erupted in Siberia, southern Europe, and Australia (UNEP, 2022). Wildfires pose direct threats to human lives and health while also destroying ecosystems.
More Destructive Hurricanes
The past decade has seen several of the most damaging Atlantic hurricanes on record for the US and Caribbean islands. Recent examples include Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dorian in 2019, and Ida in 2021. Warmer oceans provide more energy for hurricanes to develop into massive storms with high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, and devastating storm surges (EPA, 2021). Research suggests climate change will continue intensifying tropical cyclone activity.
Accelerating Ice Melt
Rising global temperatures are melting glaciers and ice sheets at unprecedented rates. Data shows the Greenland Ice Sheet is now losing nearly 300 billion tons of ice per year, while Arctic sea ice extent hits new record lows (NSIDC, 2022). Melting land ice contributes significantly to rising sea levels, threatening coastal inundation. Reduced polar sea ice disrupts ecosystems and weather patterns.
In summary, these recent extremes represent the growing dangers of climate change. The IPCC warns that further warming will inevitably worsen such impacts (IPCC, 2021). However, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to unavoidable changes can help mitigate the most severe future threats. Concerted action is imperative to increase climate resilience and protect vulnerable populations.
Navigating Climate Change: Solutions and Strategies
As climate change impacts intensify worldwide, countries urgently need strategies and solutions to adapt to current changes and build resilience against future risks. A mix of technological, nature-based, and policy approaches will be required to navigate the climate crisis effectively.
Large businesses have a critical role to play in avoiding catastrophic climate change. Many organisations are already setting targets and planning to achieve net zero emissions. However, now is the time for action
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
Shifting away from fossil fuels is essential to mitigate further global warming. Renewable energy sources like solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower generated over 26% of global electricity in 2019 and must expand to at least 75% by 2050 to meet Paris Agreement goals (IEA, 2021). Governments can transition to renewables through carbon pricing, clean energy subsidies, upgrading grid infrastructure, and investing in energy storage solutions.
Protecting Carbon Sinks
Natural carbon sinks like forests, seagrass meadows, and wetlands must be preserved and restored to absorb CO2 emissions. Recent research estimates natural climate solutions like reforestation and agricultural practices can provide over one-third of the emission reductions needed by 2030 (Griscom et al., 2017). Governments should enhance conservation, halt deforestation, and encourage regenerative agriculture.
Building Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Countries must invest in infrastructure designed to withstand climate impacts. This includes constructing seawalls and levees, elevating buildings, improving drainage systems, and developing green spaces to mitigate urban flooding. Simple upgrades like painting roofs white can also reduce heat absorption in cities. Resilient infrastructure reduces climate damage.
Early Warning Systems
Furthermore, investing in early warning systems for extreme weather saves lives and property. Advanced forecasting technology along with community preparedness training enables effective emergency response. Studies show early warning systems can reduce disaster mortality by up to 35% (WMO, 2021). All at-risk countries should implement robust early warning frameworks.
In conclusion, transitioning to clean energy, harnessing nature, improving infrastructure, and enhancing disaster preparedness represent key strategies countries can pursue to navigate climate change. Implementing these solutions quickly and at scale gives humanity the best chance of averting climate catastrophe.
Strategies for Reducing Carbon Footprints by Region
With climate change accelerating, countries and regions worldwide must transition to low-carbon economies by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. While overarching strategies like renewable energy procurement, energy efficiency, and electrification are essential everywhere, the optimal mix of solutions differs by location. Here is a regional breakdown of tailored strategies for cutting carbon footprints in key areas.
America
Carbon pricing policies are needed in the United States and Canada to incentivise emissions reductions (IPCC, 2018). Taxing carbon and investing the revenue into clean energy could cut emissions by up to 37% by 2030 (Larsen et al., 2020). Upgrading infrastructure for mass transit, cycling, and electric vehicles can also reduce transport emissions.
The United States has historically contributed significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change. While emissions have fallen recently, America still produces over 5 billion tons of CO2 annually (EPA, 2022). To help mitigate climate impacts and meet emissions reduction goals, America must implement various strategies to shrink its national carbon footprint.
Transitioning the Energy Sector: Decarbonizing electricity generation is crucial. Phasing out coal power while ramping up wind, solar, geothermal and nuclear energy can cut emissions from America’s largest source (White House, 2021). Upgrading transmission infrastructure enables the integration of renewables. Carbon capture can abate some fossil plant emissions.
Electrifying Transport: The transport sector produces the second-highest share of US emissions (EPA, 2022). Policies and incentives to spur mass adoption of electric vehicles, including subsidising EV purchases and charging stations, can accelerate the shift away from gas-powered transport. Improving public and active transit options also reduces transport emissions.
Boosting Industry Efficiency: Industrial emissions account for over 20% of America’s carbon footprint (Rissman et al., 2020). Updating equipment, optimising processes, and increasing cogeneration and waste heat recovery can improve efficiency and cut industrial energy usage. Government funding can support these upgrades.
Changing Agricultural Practices: The agricultural sector accounts for 11% of US emissions (EPA, 2022). Reducing fertiliser usage, implementing better manure management, and enhancing soil carbon sequestration through techniques like no-till farming are ways to lower farming’s climate impact.
Overall, deep decarbonisation of electricity, transportation, industry, and agriculture via technological and process changes represent key strategies for shrinking America’s outsized carbon footprint.
Europe
Europe should continue improving energy efficiency, especially in buildings and industry. Stricter efficiency standards, building retrofits, and industrial process optimisation can reduce the region's emissions by 15% or more this decade (IEA, 2020). Europe can also continue expanding its carbon pricing system.
Since the inception of the UK Government’s legally binding net-zero emissions target for 2050, businesses across the country have moved faster to be bolder, setting their versions of ‘net-zero’ carbon reduction targets, many of which fall well ahead of the Government’s deadline.
In 2019, the UK Government set a legally binding net-zero carbon emissions target for 2050. It was the first G7 country to legislate (in the Climate Change Act) a commitment to remove its net contribution to climate change. It’s worth pointing out that this does not include emissions from the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping.
If this net zero 50 target is to be met, government policies will need to be brought in, and organisations will need to make a “fundamental change to their business models and operating practices”, according to a UK Energy Research Centre report.
The costs will also be high if the target is met – £1 trillion is the accumulated annual investment required according to then-chancellor Philip Hammond. Despite the significant investment, it should positively impact the economy and tackle the climate emergency.
Heating and transport are areas where urgent action is required, and many believe that grid decarbonisation is crucial if the UK is to meet its target.
Some businesses have quickly responded to the government’s targets, forming their own net-zero strategies and setting their targets. Edie carried out a survey of 502 UK businesses and found that almost half are aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2030. A total of 8% claimed they had already reached this milestone. Other businesses have ambitions in this area but the reality of transitioning, given all the interdependencies is complex and requires expert external support
Asia
Coal still dominates power generation in many Asian countries. Phasing out coal while boosting renewables is essential for reducing Asian emissions (IEA, 2019). Developing distributed solar and wind energy will also boost access to clean power. Forest protection is vital to maintaining carbon sinks.
Africa
In Africa, boosting clean energy access via microgrids and off-grid systems will ensure economic growth isn't coupled with soaring emissions (IRENA, 2020). Clean energy investments must focus on renewables like solar, geothermal, and hydropower. Stopping deforestation is also crucial for carbon storage.
While specific low-carbon strategies differ across geographies, all regions worldwide must work to curb emissions by transitioning away from fossil fuels. Net-zero carbon footprints are imperative globally to avoid climate change's worst impacts.
Strategies for Reducing the Carbon Footprint
As climate change accelerates, companies and countries urgently need to transition to low-carbon models that minimise greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing the carbon footprint - the amount of carbon dioxide released through burning fossil fuels - is essential to mitigate global warming. There are various strategies companies and countries can pursue to reduce emissions effectively.
It is essential to clearly understand what net zero means for businesses and organisations in general.
Edie Newsroom 2020 defines net zero as “achieving an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the earth's atmosphere”.
This definition is clear enough, but there are various ways of measuring your carbon emissions and tracking the impact of your efforts to reduce them. Targets can be everything from the overall goal of bringing all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero to science-based targets.
So, all businesses need to find ways to reduce their energy consumption, improve their energy efficiency across all sites, and take steps to offset any emissions. However, the precise details and complexity involved vary dramatically between industries. Energy Manager Magazine states that more energy-intensive businesses will likely be “heavily reliant upon grid decarbonisation or sourcing much of their energy consumption through self-generation or PPAs.” And for those businesses with large and complex supply chains, collaboration will be critical.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy
Switching energy generation from coal, oil, and natural gas to renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower is one of the most direct ways to reduce carbon footprints (IPCC, 2018). Governments can transition the grid through policies like carbon pricing, clean energy subsidies, and upgrading transmission infrastructure. Companies can install on-site renewables and purchase clean power.
Improving Energy Efficiency
Adopting more energy-efficient practices, operations, and technologies across sectors reduces carbon footprints. Simple strategies like installing LED lighting, insulating buildings, and regular equipment maintenance can reduce energy waste (EPA, 2022). Governments can set efficiency standards, while companies can optimise manufacturing, implement eco-driving policies, and use energy audits.
Electrifying Vehicles and Processes
Furthermore, electrifying vehicles and industrial processes eliminate direct fossil fuel usage. Governments can encourage the adoption of electric vehicles through tax incentives and charging infrastructure development (IEA, 2021). Companies can replace conventional vehicles with electric models and use electric heat pumps in operations.
Using Carbon Offsets
Purchasing certified carbon offsets for unavoidable emissions can make companies and countries net-zero. Offsets fund projects that reduce emissions like reforestation or renewable energy. Credible offsets follow standards to ensure real emissions reductions (UNFCCC, 2022). Carbon markets also incentivise sustainability.
Renewable energy procurement, increased efficiency, electrification, and carbon offsets represent impactful ways organisations and nations can shrink their carbon footprints. Lowering emissions is imperative to mitigate climate change risks.
Here are some other areas that will help move businesses towards carbon neutrality:
Onsite power generation & battery storage – you may want to reduce your reliance and demands on the National Grid. Although generating your power and developing your battery storage capability represents a significant investment, it’s a way to improve business resilience, give energy managers more control and move organisations towards net zero. It can also lead to demand-side response (DSR) where surplus energy can be sold back to the grid for extra revenue to invest in sustainability projects.
Switch to electric – transitioning to electric heating and adopting electric vehicles to decarbonise transport are key. This needs to happen with significant growth in alternative forms of low-carbon energy generation like renewables.
Buildings with solid energy performance ratings – having ultra-efficient buildings, ideally net zero buildings, across your estate provides the foundations for carbon neutrality.
Encourage greener ways of working – find ways throughout your business where you can reduce your impact on the environment.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) – this technology prevents 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels from entering the atmosphere. It also has carbon-negative potential. For more information visit Carbon Capture & Storage Association.
How Electric Vehicles Can Help Countries Achieve Net Zero Emissions
Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly popular worldwide as a sustainable transportation option. Widespread adoption of EVs presents significant opportunities for countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and work towards achieving net zero emissions.
Transitioning to EVs provides numerous environmental and economic benefits compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. According to a 2021 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the global EV fleet surpassed 10 million in 2020 and is on track to reach 145 million by 2030 under current government policies and targets. (International Energy Agency 2021). Accelerating this transition can help nations meet their emissions reduction goals under the Paris Agreement.
Reducing Carbon Footprint
The transportation sector accounts for nearly one-quarter of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions globally, with road vehicles producing three-quarters of transport CO2 emissions.(International Energy Agency 2021) EVs have a lower carbon footprint over their lifetime than conventional vehicles. For example, research shows the manufacturing of an EV generates up to 70% more emissions due to the production of the lithium-ion battery. However, when factoring in the lack of tailpipe emissions, EVs produce far fewer emissions - from 30% to more than 40% less - over their lifetime. (Union of Concerned Scientists 2020) Widespread adoption of EVs can help countries lower national emissions from the transport sector.
Transitioning taxi, ride-hailing and urban delivery fleets to EVs also presents a significant opportunity to reduce emissions, especially as these vehicles tend to be high-mileage. Electrifying public transportation like buses through induction charging at stops can further lower public transit emissions.
Utilising Clean Energy
The source of electricity generation is crucial to maximising EV emission reduction benefits. Charging EVs with renewable energy like solar and wind can lower their lifecycle emissions by up to 70% compared to gasoline vehicles. (BloombergNEF 2020) Countries investing in clean energy to power their electric grids allow carbon-free EV charging. For example, Norway relies on hydropower for over 95% of its electricity generation. (McKinsey & Company 2019) As a result, Norway's EV fleet produces almost zero tailpipe emissions.
Countries can incentivise drivers to charge EVs when renewable energy production is highest, such as midday for solar power. Smart charging infrastructure and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology that enables EVs to discharge stored battery power back to the grid can also help balance electricity supply and demand.
Economic Development and Energy Security
Widespread EV adoption provides economic opportunities through the growth of domestic clean energy and green technology industries. McKinsey estimates that broad EV usage could add $260 billion to $460 billion in revenue to the power sector by 2030. (McKinsey & Company 2018) It can also strengthen energy security by reducing reliance on imported oil.
Many countries are investing heavily in EV infrastructure and production capacity. For example, Germany recently announced a $6.7 billion plan to accelerate EV adoption.(Reuters 2020) Such investments grow local economies while building a national charging network and EV manufacturing base.
Transition Policies and Incentives
Governments globally have introduced purchase incentives, charging infrastructure investments, vehicle emission standards, EV sales targets, and phase-out dates for internal combustion engine vehicles to accelerate EV uptake. Norway's EV incentives have spurred electric car sales to over 50% of new car purchases 2019.(IEA 2020) China aims for EVs to represent 20% of auto sales by 2025. (Reuters 2017) Setting ambitious EV adoption targets and policies creates regulatory certainty for automakers to transition supply towards electric models.
Widespread adoption of EVs can substantially reduce transport emissions and help countries meet Paris climate commitments. Investing in charging infrastructure, purchase incentives, and clean electricity generation while phasing out gasoline vehicles are key to maximising the environmental benefits. With sound policies and intelligent infrastructure, electric mobility can become a win-win solution improving sustainability, energy security and economic growth.
Global Positions on Achieving Net Zero Emissions
Reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 is imperative to limit global warming to 1.5°C and mitigate climate change impacts, according to the IPCC (2018). Here we examine different continents' and countries' stances and plans for decarbonisation and carbon footprint reduction.
Europe
Europe aims to be the first net zero emissions continent by 2050. The EU’s Green Deal creates a roadmap for reaching this target through clean energy investments, industrial process overhauls, transport electrification, and boosting carbon sinks via reforestation (European Commission, 2019). Countries like Sweden and France have enshrined the 2050 net zero goal in law.
North America
The US has returned to the Paris Agreement and aims to halve emissions by 2030 to net zero by 2050 (The White House, 2021). Canada legally requires net zero by 2050. Carbon pricing, clean energy incentives, EV infrastructure, and methane reduction are policy priorities in both nations.
Asia
China, the world’s largest emitter, aims for carbon neutrality by 2060 (UNFCCC, 2020). This relies on major expansions of renewables, electric mobility, and reforestation. Other Asian countries lack net zero commitments, though India and South Korea have pledged emissions reductions of 33-35% by 2030.
Africa
Although Africa contributes little to historical emissions, countries like Nigeria and South Africa have set net zero goals for 2050 and 2060 respectively (Energy Monitor, 2021). Their focus remains to ensure a transition from fossil fuels while boosting access to clean energy. Many nations still need formal net zero plans.
Achieving global net zero requires all regions to accelerate their transition away from fossil fuels. With varying resource access, developed countries must also support decarbonisation across emerging economies.
The Role of Individuals and Companies in Reducing Carbon Emissions
Tackling climate change requires significant reductions in carbon footprints from all sectors of society. While governments set overarching policies, individuals and companies have essential roles in driving decarbonisation through lifestyle choices and business operations.
Many businesses are prioritising sustainability and moving towards a greener future. Recently, more conversations have concerned carbon neutrality, focusing on organisations achieving ‘net zero’ status. Industry task groups have been formed, and government bodies and scientists are coming together to pursue carbon neutrality.
As a society, we must address our contribution to global warming and do all we can to protect the planet's future and its inhabitants. There has to be widespread change and businesses have a crucial role to play if we’re going to avoid extreme climate change. You need to adapt and that’s where Ignite Energy can help.
Individual Actions
Everyday consumer choices and behaviours influence carbon footprints. Driving and flying less, switching to renewable energy providers, and reducing meat intake all lower an individual’s emissions (Wynes and Nicholas, 2017). Furthermore, making green purchasing decisions, recycling, and avoiding food waste also help. Voting and advocacy for climate policies are also impactful. If widely adopted, these small-scale actions can drive broader transformation.
Company Initiatives
Businesses must also implement internal initiatives to shrink their carbon footprints. Strategies like installing renewable energy systems, electrifying vehicle fleets, optimising supply chains for efficiency, and adopting energy-efficient practices can significantly cut corporate emissions (EPA, 2022). Companies can commit to science-based targets, disclose emissions, and purchase carbon offsets.
Transitioning Business Models
Some companies must transition entire business models to align with low-carbon economies. The fossil fuel industry can divert investments into renewables (IRENA, 2021). Automakers can phase out gasoline vehicles in favour of electric ones. Livestock farmers can shift to plant-based proteins. While challenging, such transitions future-proof companies.
Individuals and companies can substantially reduce climate impacts by changing behaviours and operations. Lower-carbon lifestyles and business models will be essential complements to economy-wide climate policies.
Recommendations for Tackling the Climate Crisis
Climate change is an urgent threat facing humanity. To avoid the most catastrophic impacts, researchers argue we must limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures (IPCC, 2018). Achieving this requires rapidly transitioning global economies away from fossil fuels and removing carbon from the atmosphere. Based on scientific evidence, here are some critical recommendations for tackling the climate crisis:
Rapidly Phase Out Fossil Fuels
Phasing out coal, oil, and natural gas is essential to mitigating climate change. The IPCC (2018) estimates that to limit warming to 1.5°C, global net CO2 emissions must fall 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach zero by 2050. This requires quickly transitioning energy, transport, and industry sectors to renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal while expanding energy efficiency. Carbon pricing and clean energy subsidies can accelerate this transition (IEA, 2021).
Scale Up Natural Carbon Sinks
Improving natural carbon sinks like forests, soils, and wetlands is another key strategy. Reforestation efforts, regenerative agriculture practices, mangrove restoration, and peatland protection all absorb and store carbon. Griscom et al. (2017) estimate natural climate solutions could provide over one-third of needed emissions reductions by 2030. Governments must expand conservation and incentivise land use changes to boost carbon sequestration.
Ramp-Up Technology Carbon Removal
Emerging technologies like direct air capture, carbon mineralisation, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage can actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere to balance hard-to-abate emissions. Assessments show carbon removal capacity must scale from under 1 million tons removed annually today to 10 billion tons per year by mid-century (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). More research, development, and deployment funding is critical.
Rapidly phasing out fossil fuel use while dramatically scaling up natural and technological carbon removal solutions gives humanity the best shot at meeting the 1.5°C climate target. But action must be immediate and global to tackle the climate emergency successfully.
Recommendation and Conclusion for Mitigating Climate Change and Reduction of Carbon Footprints
The accelerating climate crisis demands immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and reduce humanity's carbon footprint. Based on the scientific evidence, the following strategies are recommended:
- Rapidly transition key sectors including energy, transportation, and food production away from fossil fuel usage and towards renewable solutions (IPCC, 2022). This will require phasing out coal, scaling up technologies like wind, solar, and EVs, and transforming agricultural practices through tactics like regenerative agriculture.
- Halt deforestation and restore critical carbon sinks like forests, peatlands, mangroves, and wetlands (Roe et al., 2021). This boosts the planet's natural carbon absorption and storage capacities.
- Overhaul infrastructure systems to improve resilience against intensifying climate impacts like flooding, heatwaves and storms (Global Commission on Adaptation, 2019). Investing in protective infrastructure saves lives and reduces climate damage.
- Utilise emerging technologies for greenhouse gas removal including direct air capture, advanced reforestation, and carbon sequestration in concrete (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2019). These can offset hard-to-abate emissions.
In conclusion, keeping global warming under 1.5°C necessitates urgent economy-wide actions to curb emissions alongside scaling up natural and technological carbon removal solutions. With coordinated efforts across governments, corporations, and civil society, we can transition to low-carbon and climate-resilient systems to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. But the window for action is narrow, so implementing these strategies must begin immediately.
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- Kingsley Onyeagusi (Author), 2024, The Adverse Effects of Climate Change. Solutions and Strategies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1445418
