Moving Beyond Words: The Importance of Tangible Action in Achieving Net-Zero Emissions and a Sustainable Climate

Net zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and then absorbing any remaining emissions from the atmosphere. This absorption can happen through oceans, forests, and other methods.

To prevent the worst effects of climate change and save our planet, we must limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Unfortunately, the Earth is already 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s, and emissions are still increasing. To meet the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C, we must reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Transitioning to a net-zero world is a big challenge for us humans. It means we must change how we make, use, and travel. Most of the greenhouse gas emissions come from the energy sector. This means we must stop using coal, gas, and oil-fired power, which pollute the environment. Instead, we should use renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. If we do this, we can significantly reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.

Many countries, cities, businesses, and organizations are committed to achieving net-zero emissions. Over 70 countries, including major polluters such as China, the United States, and the European Union, have pledged to reach net-zero emissions, which cover around 76% of global emissions. Additionally, more than 3,000 businesses and financial institutions are working to reduce their emissions in line with climate science through the Science-Based Targets Initiative. Over 1000 cities, 1000 educational institutions, and 400 financial institutions have also joined Race to Zero, committing to take immediate and serious action to reduce global emissions by 50% before 2030.

More and more companies, investors, cities, and regions are making promises to reach net-zero emissions, but the rules for achieving these promises vary in strength. To make sure that these promises are credible and to speed up their progress, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres created an Expert Group in March 2022. This group made recommendations on how to achieve net-zero emissions commitments and presented them at the COP27 conference.

Governments have not done enough to fulfill their commitments to a livable climate. Current climate plans from 193 countries would actually increase global greenhouse gas emissions by almost 11% by 2030 compared to 2010 levels. To reach net-zero emissions, all countries, especially the biggest emitters, need to significantly improve their plans and take bold actions to reduce emissions right away. The Glasgow Climate Pact urged countries to update their plans by the end of 2022, but only 24 countries submitted new or revised plans by September 2022.

I, Kumar Chinnakali also responsible for the mess of climate change, so I am doing my part to help fix it and leave this world with a smaller carbon footprint.