Why there’s hope of averting the worst impacts of climate change
In 2010/19, the average annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were at their highest levels in human history, but the rate of growth has slowed. The latest report highlighted the need to phase out fossil fuel infrastructure, and not build any more, as existing infrastructure alone will make the 1.5-degree Celsius global temperature target impossible to reach. The report indicated that an energy system powered by clean renewable power and storage gives countries their best chance of energy security and a safer, fairer world. Countries that have adopted low carbon policies are already seeing a drop in emissions. It also highlighted mitigation measures to be taken in different sectors such as energy, agriculture and land use, industry and transport to reduce GHG emissions. IPCC reports have indicated that the earth is warming at a higher rate than previously thought. The IPCC indicated that it is unequivocal that human activity is causing warming, resulting in widespread and rapid changes. The IPCC has repeatedly sounded the alarm on the need for urgent action to implement deep emission cuts if global warming is to be kept under The report indicated that adaptation cannot be an alternative to emission cuts. If warming continues at the current levels, we will increasingly see changes that we cannot adapt to. While efforts to cope with climate impacts have increased in recent years, they are often inadequate and in some cases poorly planned and funded. While many may not know the linkage between Climate action includes mitigation measures aimed at reducing emissions and adaptation measures aimed at building resilience to the impacts suffered. Developing nations such as African nations, which are the most vulnerable, need the support of the developed world, such as finance and technology transfer to put such measures in place. Besides implementing national goals and plans to reduce emissions such as Nationally Determined Contributions, it is critical that nations phase out fossil projects and transition to clean energy. Developing nations, however, largely lack the resources to support mitigation and adaptation. They, therefore, require support. As part of the outcome of the UN climate talks in Paris in 2015, developed countries were urged to scale up their support to developing nations for interventions. While the goal was to raise $100 billion per year by 2020, they are yet to meet this goal, and, thus, need to not only scale up climate finance for developing countries but also put in place concrete plans and disbursement timeline. There is hope to avert worse climate impacts if urgent action is taken to make drastic emission cuts. The phasing out of fossil fuels and cancellation of any new fossil fuel projects is non-negotiable to avoid catastrophic extreme heat, loss of water supplies, failure of food systems and sea-level rise. Scientists also say meeting the ambitious Paris temperature targets of 1.5C by the end of the century is possible but will require a huge step-change in effort that must begin now, including increased financial investment and the much-needed climate finance pledged by governments. The effects of climate change are now clear. Today, more people understand the urgency and the need to reduce emissions, change lifestyles and adapt to impacts. However, the blocking comes, essentially, from the fossil industry, which wants to perpetuate its profits to the detriment of populations and the planet. Although some companies are beginning to admit their wrongs and lies, which have been nurtured for decades, it remains the main obstacle. It is time for governments to take immediate, significant action. We must also call for a stop to flow of finance to fossil fuels and instead redirect it to sustainable energy solutions. Political will to enact and effectively implement policies that support climate action is lacking in many countries. Governments across Africa are still, unfortunately, issuing licences for the exploration of fossil fuels – coal, gas and oil – with some even setting aside funds for these polluting fuels. For example, Kenya’s 2021/22 budget had allocated Sh1.3 billion to coal exploration and mining. It is time leaders shifted focus from furthering the interests of the elite and fossil companies to what is best for the people and the environment. Commitment to implementing more ambitious goals on emission cuts, ending fossil fuels and planning a just transition to renewable energy is required. However, beyond political will, finance from the developed world is necessary as large-scale investments are needed for mitigation and adaptation. The report indicated different pathways to mitigation through reduction of emissions from different sectors such as energy, agriculture, industry and transport. Among key mitigation measures proposed by the report is the need to implement major energy transitions, which will entail substantial reduction of fossil fuels and enhanced energy efficiency. It proposes decommissioning of fossil fuel installations, reduced use of the same and cancellation of new fossil infrastructure. As continents such as Africa have sufficient potential to meet their renewable energy needs, we do not need fossil fuels at all. It is, thus, possible to phase them out and implement a just and fair transition plan based on abundant renewable sources. There is need for support in the form of finance and technology transfer.