Key considerations for action towards mitigating climate change and sustainability agenda for 2050.

Author Debasis Mohapatra , Director SOUL Limited

Climate change and sustainability are two of the most pressing issues facing the world today. The effects of global warming are already being felt, and they are likely to worsen in the coming years unless action is taken. In order to address this crisis and ensure a sustainable future for all, it is essential that the world comes together and adopts a comprehensive sustainability agenda for 2050.

The first step in this process is to reduce the rate of greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the planet to warm. The primary source of these emissions is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, for energy. To reduce emissions, it is necessary to transition to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power, which produce little or no greenhouse gases. This will require a significant investment in research and development, as well as the implementation of policies and incentives to encourage the uptake of clean energy.

The world has made significant progress in the spread of renewable power sources in recent years. Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power, are becoming increasingly popular as countries look to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. There has been a rapid increase in the deployment of wind and solar energy in particular. The cost of wind and solar power has fallen dramatically in recent years, making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers. As a result, many countries have set ambitious targets to increase the proportion of their energy mix that comes from renewables, and many are on track to meet these targets.

In addition, the development of new technologies, such as energy storage systems, has helped to make renewable energy more reliable and usable. This has helped to overcome some of the challenges associated with renewable energy, such as its intermittency, and has made it a more viable option for powering homes, businesses, and communities. There are also a growing number of countries that have made commitments to phase out fossil fuels entirely, or to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. This has led to increased investment in renewable energy, as well as the development of new policies and initiatives aimed at promoting the use of renewables.

Some of the key achievements are –

·?Renewable energy capacity: According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the total installed renewable energy capacity worldwide reached 2,280 GW in 2020, a 5% increase from 2019. This included 1,065 GW of wind power and 668 GW of solar power. As of 2020, India has an installed renewable energy capacity of 87.26 GW, including 34.34 GW of wind power and 35.79 GW of solar power, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).

·?Renewable energy production: The production of renewable energy has also increased significantly in recent years. In 2020, renewable energy sources provided 26% of the world's total electricity generation, up from 24% in 2019. The production of renewable energy in India has also increased in recent years. In 2020, renewables accounted for 7.5% of India's total electricity generation, up from 6.7% in 2019, according to the MNRE.

·?Investment in renewables: The amount of investment in renewable energy has also increased in recent years. In 2020, investment in renewable energy reached a record high of $317 billion, an increase of 6% from 2019, according to the Renewables Global Status Report. The Indian government has made a significant commitment to the growth of the renewable energy sector. In 2020, investment in renewable energy reached $13.4 billion, a 33% increase from 2019, according to the Renewables Global Status Report.

·?Renewable energy targets: Many countries have set ambitious targets to increase the proportion of their energy mix that comes from renewables. For example, the European Union has set a target of 32% renewable energy by 2030, while China has set a target of 20% renewable energy by 2025. India has set an ambitious target to increase the proportion of its energy mix that comes from renewables. The government has set a target of 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, including 100 GW of solar power, 60 GW of wind power, 10 GW of bioenergy, and 5 GW of small hydropower.

·?Decline in renewable energy costs: The cost of renewable energy has fallen dramatically in recent years, making it more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers. The cost of wind power, for example, has fallen by 49% since 2010, while the cost of solar power has fallen by 85% since 2010, according to the IEA. The cost of renewable energy in India has fallen dramatically in recent years. For example, the cost of solar power in India fell by 84% between 2010 and 2020, while the cost of wind power fell by 59% over the same period, according to the MNRE. The per unit cost of solar power in India fell from ?17.90 ($0.24) in 2010 to ?2.50 ($0.03) in 2020, while the per unit cost of wind power fell from ?3.50 ($0.05) in 2010 to ?2.80 ($0.04) in 2020, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

·?Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: The spread of renewable energy has also contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, the use of renewables helped to avoid the release of 2.6 billion tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere, according to the IEA. The spread of renewable energy in India has also contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. According to the MNRE, the use of renewables in India has helped to avoid the release of 127 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Despite this progress, there is still much work to be done. The deployment of renewable energy is not happening at the pace or scale needed to address the pressing issue of climate change, and many countries are still heavily reliant on fossil fuels. In addition, there are still significant barriers to the widespread adoption of renewables, including the need for improved infrastructure (mostly for integrating the renewable power sources with the mainstream grid), the availability of financing, and the need for more consistent and supportive policies.

Another critical aspect of the sustainability agenda for 2050 is to protect and restore ecosystems and biodiversity. The world’s ecosystems, such as forests, oceans, and wetlands, are essential for regulating the climate and providing a range of ecosystem services, including clean air and water, food, and medicine. The loss of these ecosystems, as well as the extinction of species, is exacerbating the impacts of climate change and making it more difficult to achieve sustainability. Some of the effects of climate change on biodiversity include:

·?Changes in the timing of seasonal events: Climate change has disrupted the timing of events such as flowering and migration, which can lead to mismatches between species and their food sources, causing declines in population. A 2013 study published in the journal "Nature Climate Change" by Thackeray et al. found that over 70% of species in the British Isles have shifted the timing of their seasonal events, such as flowering and migration, due to climate change. A 2013 study published in the journal "PLOS ONE" by Kumar et al. found that the timing of flowering in many plant species in India has changed due to rising temperatures, leading to mismatches with pollinators and reduced seed production.

·?Range shifts: Some species are unable to adapt to rapidly changing conditions and are forced to shift their range to more suitable habitats. This can lead to fragmentation of habitats and increased competition for resources, causing declines in biodiversity. A 2018 study published in the journal "Nature" by Hicks et al. found that the average distance that species have shifted their ranges towards the poles or up in elevation due to climate change is approximately 17 kilometres per decade. The same study also found that rising ocean temperatures due to climate change have caused mass bleaching events that have impacted over 70% of the world's coral reefs. A 2019 study published in the journal "Global Change Biology" by Mukherjee et al. found that the ranges of many bird species in India have shifted towards the poles and up in elevation due to climate change.

·?Extinctions: Climate change can lead to the extinction of species that are unable to adapt to changing conditions or migrate to new habitats. This is particularly true for species with limited geographic ranges, such as island endemics, and those that are already under stress from other human activities. A 2019 study published in the journal "Nature" by IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services) estimated that up to one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction due to climate change and other human activities.

·?Changes in the structure of ecosystems: Climate change can alter the structure and functioning of ecosystems, leading to changes in the abundance and diversity of species. For example, as temperatures warm, invasive species that are well-adapted to the new conditions can outcompete native species and reduce biodiversity. A 2016 study published in the journal "Science" by Jackson et al. found that over 50% of ecosystems globally have already been impacted by climate change, with significant impacts on biodiversity and the services that ecosystems provide to humans. A 2015 study published in the journal "Current Science" by Bhambri et al. found that Himalayan glaciers are retreating rapidly due to climate change, leading to changes in the flow regime of rivers and impacts on biodiversity in the region.

To address these challenges, it is necessary to implement conservation and restoration measures, such as reforestation and the protection of wildlife habitats, to ensure that these important ecosystems are preserved for future generations. Some of the key actions being taken in India, in this regard include:

·?Forest conservation and restoration: India has launched several programs to conserve and restore its forests, which are critical habitats for many species. This includes initiatives such as the Green India Mission, which aims to increase the country's forest cover from the 2021 assessment of 24.56% to 33% of its total land area by 2030. The Indian government has set a target of planting 2 billion trees by the year 2030, as part of its efforts to increase the country's forest cover. India is also undertaking reforestation efforts to restore degraded forests and improve the health of its ecosystems. This includes initiatives such as the Community-Led Watershed Management Program, which aims to restore degraded forests and improve water management in rural areas. The quality of India's forests is also being improved through initiatives such as the National Afforestation and Eco-Development Board's program, which aims to promote the growth of native species and improve the overall health of the country's ecosystems.

·?Wetland conservation: To conserve and sustainably manage wetlands in India, the government has enacted several legislative and policy measures, such as the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the National Wetlands Conservation Programme. Several wetlands – such as Keoladeo National Park and the Chilika Lake, which are critical habitats for migratory birds – have been designated as protected areas. Efforts are being made to restore the biodiversity of India's wetlands through initiatives such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, which promotes the conservation and wise use of wetlands globally. This includes restoring degraded wetland habitats, promoting the growth of native species, and reducing the impacts of human activities on wetland ecosystems.

·?Wildlife protection: India has implemented measures to protect its wildlife, such as creating national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, and enforcing laws that prohibit hunting and poaching. A number of protected areas, including national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and conservation reserves, have been established, which are critical habitats for many of the country's threatened and endangered species. These protected areas provide safe and secure habitats for wildlife and help to conserve biodiversity. There are also efforts to restore degraded habitats to improve the health of its ecosystems and provide safe and secure habitats for wildlife. This includes initiatives to restore degraded forests, wetlands, and grasslands, and to promote the growth of native species. Several laws and regulations have been implemented to protect its wildlife, including the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which provides for the protection of wild animals and plants, and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, which protects animals from mistreatment. India is taking strong measures to combat poaching, including increasing the presence of forest guards, using technology to monitor wildlife populations and detect poaching activities, and working with local communities to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. Last, but not the least, the central and state governments and their respective designated agencies, are helping raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation through education and outreach programs. This includes working with schools, communities, and other organizations to promote wildlife conservation and raise awareness about the dangers of poaching and other threats to wildlife.

In addition to reducing emissions and protecting ecosystems, a comprehensive sustainability agenda for 2050 must also address the issue of waste. Waste, particularly plastic waste, is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and is damaging to the environment and wildlife. According to the World Bank, the world generates about 300 million metric tons of plastic waste each year, and this amount is expected to increase in the coming years. In India, plastic waste generation is estimated to be about 26,000 metric tons per day. This is one of the highest levels of plastic waste generation in the world, and it is a significant environmental and public health concern. A large proportion of plastic waste is not properly managed and disposed of, which contributes to plastic pollution in the environment. In India, a significant portion of plastic waste is not properly collected and disposed of, and it ends up in landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and the environment.

Several measures to manage waste, particularly plastic waste:

·?Plastic waste management rules: In 2011, the Indian government introduced the Plastic Waste Management Rules, which specify the responsibilities of various stakeholders, including manufacturers, consumers, and local governments, in managing plastic waste. The rules require the proper collection, segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal of plastic waste.

·?Plastic waste collection and recycling: The Indian government is working to improve the collection and recycling of plastic waste, through initiatives such as door-to-door collection programs and community-based waste management programs. The government is also promoting the use of reusable bags and containers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic waste generated.

· Plastic waste treatment and disposal: India is implementing a number of waste treatment and disposal facilities, including landfills, incineration facilities, and recycling plants, to properly manage plastic waste. The government is also promoting the use of environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic, such as biodegradable plastics and cloth bags.

·?Awareness and education: The Indian government is also raising awareness about the importance of proper waste management and reducing plastic waste, through public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and community-based initiatives.

In general, to reduce waste, it is necessary to adopt more sustainable consumption and production patterns, as well as to implement policies and initiatives to encourage the recycling and reuse of waste materials. This will require a shift in the way that goods are designed, produced, and consumed, as well as a greater focus on reducing waste and increasing efficiency.

Finally, it is important to address the issue of inequality in the sustainability agenda for 2050. Climate change and environmental degradation disproportionately affect marginalized and low-income communities, who are often least equipped to adapt and cope with the impacts. Economic, social and spatial inequalities, and discrimination against certain groups, can push those at the bottom into unsustainable practices that worsen environmental degradation, inequality and unsustainability. Inequality threatens long- term social and economic development, harms poverty reduction and destroys people's sense of fulfilment and self-worth. This, in turn, can breed crime, disease and environmental degradation.

Addressing inequality in the sustainability agenda is crucial in ensuring that sustainability initiatives are equitable, inclusive, and have the desired impact. This could be possibly done by –

·?Ensuring that sustainability initiatives are inclusive and consider the needs and perspectives of marginalized communities. This could involve engaging with these communities in the design and implementation of sustainability projects.

·?Promoting fair access to resources, services, and opportunities. For example, initiatives that promote renewable energy should consider how access to these resources can be made available to communities that have been historically excluded.

·?Investing in education and awareness-raising programs to help increase understanding of sustainability issues and their impact on different communities.

·?Addressing the root causes of inequality, such as poverty and lack of access to basic services, by supporting economic and social development programs.

·?Encouraging partnerships and collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to create shared solutions that tackle inequality and promote sustainability.

·?Implementing policies and regulations that promote equity, fairness, and transparency in sustainability initiatives. For example, policies that encourage the fair distribution of benefits from renewable energy projects can help address inequality.

·?Measuring and tracking progress towards greater equality in sustainability initiatives. This can help to identify where additional efforts are needed and to hold those responsible for addressing inequality accountable.

In conclusion, the sustainability agenda for 2050 is a critical challenge facing the world today. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting and restoring ecosystems, reducing waste, and addressing inequality, we can ensure a sustainable future for all and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The time to act is now, and it is up to all of us to work together to achieve this important goal.