THE HOTTEST YEAR
- In 2023, global temperatures edged dangerously close to the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set in the Paris Agreement.
- Averaging 1.46 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels until November, the world witnessed record-breaking temperatures.
WMO's Alarming Confirmation and Future Projections
- The World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) provisional State of the Global Climate Report confirms that 2023 is the warmest year on record.
- The WMO has also forecast that the planet will get hotter in 2024.
- The report attributes this to a warming El Nino event, emphasising its potential impact on temperatures after its peak.
Critical Seven Years Ahead
- Debate arises on whether the world has reached a point of no return in climate change.
- However, it is clear that the next seven years will be pivotal in reducing emissions.
- The International Energy Agency predicts over 35% of global electricity from renewables by 2025, offering hope in the shift toward cleaner energy.
Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Challenges
- While progress has been made in renewable energy, the challenge lies in storing it efficiently during non-productive periods.
- The creation of the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council at COP21 aimed to address this.
- However, the market for cost-competitive solutions is still evolving, hindering widespread adoption of LDES technologies.
The Call for Resilience Amidst Rising Temperatures
- The policymakers need to prioritize resilience-building measures alongside emission reduction.
- Suggested measures include sea walls, enhanced weather alert systems, urban drainage overhauls, irrigation solutions and climate-resilient crop choices.
- Balancing vulnerability mitigation with developmental needs remains a critical challenge.
The Dual Challenge
- As global temperatures continue to rise, policymakers face the complex task of addressing vulnerabilities without neglecting developmental needs.
- Striking this balance becomes essential to lift populations out of poverty while navigating the challenges posed by a hotter planet.