Our planet has given us all the resources that we need or want. However, there has been one unspoken rule for utilising these resources- maintaining balance. Balance is the key to our sustenance. Our harsh change in climate has become unavoidable and this is occurring due to the rapid imbalance that we are creating by emitting greenhouse gases.
So what is the way forward? Will this be the end of humanity?
We don’t wait for the future. We build it ourselves.
Whilst it is too early to call it the end of humankind if we do change our current lifestyle, we might be able to salvage the situation before it becomes disastrous. Climate change has been taking place at a much more rapid rate due to the greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, that get trapped in the atmosphere. To reduce the accelerated climate change we need to either lower the emissions released in the atmosphere or remove greenhouse emissions that are trapped. This can take place when achieving net zero carbon or becoming carbon neutral is the goal of every country and individual.
Net-zero carbon can be achieved when the amount of greenhouse gas emissions put in the atmosphere is equal to the number of emissions put out. Net-zero means finding a balance between the carbon emissions released to the carbon emissions avoided. The majority of global emissions come from the energy sector. Finding alternate sources of energy, developing advancements in technology can help upswing clean energy innovation. Net-zero broadly differs from gross zero. Gross zero means no emissions at all which would mean stopping all activities that have any greenhouse gas emissions, which in reality is not practical as all countries around the world would take a major hit on their economy.
Moving towards a net-zero future
- Electrification: Electrification is a concept where electricity is the core energy source. The best example is Electronic vehicles. Vehicles that would earlier use fossil fuel now can use battery-operated vehicles. This is not only a more environmentally friendly option but is also very cost-effective.
- Energy Efficiency solutions: Many new advancements aim at reducing the amount of energy required by products and services to produce the same results. A common example is energy-saving light bulbs such as LED bulbs which utilise 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs.
- Carbon capture, utilisation and storage: Carbon capture, utilisation and storage is a process where carbon emissions are either stored or reused so that it is captured and does not enter the atmosphere. Through this technique issues related to high capital costs, safety, and logistics are addressed.
- Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels: Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels help substitute for places where electricity cannot replace fossil fuels due to convenience or economic reasons. It can also be used when sustainable bioenergy is available in limited amounts. Hydrogen-based fuels are being used for ships and planes.
- Bioenergy: Electricity and gas that is generated from organic matter (also known as biomass), is called bioenergy. Sustainable bioenergy helps bring cooking solutions for nearly 1/4th of the global population who cannot receive it otherwise.
Countries around the world have recognised the need for change and have started committing to moving to net-zero emissions. Most countries have set the target to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 to keep global warming below 2 degrees celsius, which was the limit sanctified in the Paris Agreement on 12th December 2015
Nations are opening their eyes to the severity of the situation. We as individuals can also play our part by being educated, aware, and taking action on the smaller changes that will add up to making a gargantuan effect on our climate. After all, we have been living on this planet as if we have another one to go.
