“Rising Temperatures and Oceanic Concerns: The Urgency of Combating Global Warming”

In April 2024, the world experienced the hottest month on record, marking 11 consecutive months of unprecedented temperatures from May 2023 to April 2024. Global average temperatures soared to 1.61 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and 0.73 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. This alarming trend is attributed to increasing greenhouse gas emissions and the exacerbation of warming by the El Niño event.

Not only are heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense, but oceanic temperatures have also been breaking records daily over the past year. Oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate, absorbing a quarter of carbon dioxide emissions and 90% of excess heat from solar radiation. In February and March of this year, sea surface temperatures reached a global average of 21.09 degrees Celsius.

To combat these drastic changes, it is imperative to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, phase out fossil fuels, transition to renewable energy sources, and curb deforestation. The Paris Climate Agreement, adopted at COP21 in 2015, aimed to limit the global average temperature increase in relation to pre-industrial levels. However, there are criticisms that the agreement falls short of fulfilling the two degrees Celsius pathway, let alone the more ambitious 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

The emissions gap between what countries should do collectively and what they have pledged in their Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs) up to 2023 is substantial. While the COP21 agreement seeks to enhance individual and collective actions to address the climate crisis, it lacks penalties for the biggest emitters, such as the United States and China.

China, the world’s largest annual emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006, produces about 30% of total emissions, surpassing the US, European Union, and India combined. Despite efforts to lead in renewable energy, China faces challenges in curbing emissions due to grid capacity issues. The country’s struggles with heatwaves, record temperatures, and disruptions to food and industrial supply chains highlight the urgent need for global action against climate change.

While the fight against global warming may seem daunting, countries must continue their efforts domestically and through international collaborations to mitigate its impacts. Giving up on this crucial battle would only lead to more severe consequences, including worsening heatwaves, rising sea temperatures, and erratic weather patterns. It is essential for nations to engage in focused negotiations and sustained efforts to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis.

In conclusion, the fight against global warming requires collective action and commitment from all nations to safeguard the planet for future generations. Sriparna Pathak, associate professor of Chinese Studies and International Relations at Jindal School of International Affairs, emphasizes the importance of ongoing efforts to address the climate crisis and protect the environment for a sustainable future.