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Here is the link to the latest episode The Great Climate Conundrum of the Time and Tide and podcast. It's 12 minutes long.
If you prefer reading to listening, here's a gist of what's in the podcast episode:
This episode is about understanding climate change, what is making the earth warmer, what are different countries doing, what is net zero emissions target, and why India doesn’t believe in it.
The United Nations 26th Climate Change Conference is getting underway today at Glasgow in Scotland.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
At the core is global warming -- a gradual rise in the overall temperature of the atmosphere. And it’s caused by greenhouse effect.
It's a process by which the earth's atmosphere traps the heat from the sun. That heat is good for all of us, plants and animals.
But now there is more heat on the earth than what is ideal. The last 30 years was the warmest period in more than 800 years. And the most recent decade, that from 2010 to 2019 was the warmest decade since 1850.
GREENHOUSE GASES
Why is the earth’s atmosphere getting warmer? It’s because of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide.
Now this is how it all works:
- Radiation from the sun reaches the earth.
- Some of that is reflected back into space.
- The rest of the sun's energy is absorbed by the land and the oceans, heating the Earth.
- This heat radiates from the Earth towards space.
- Some of this heat is trapped by greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, keeping the Earth warm enough to sustain life.
But many of our activities are increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases.
WHAT IS NET ZERO EMISSIONS TARGET
Every country is trying to achieve what is called net-zero emission.
You have achieved net zero emission when the amount of greenhouse gases produced is less than the amount that has been removed. Many nations are aiming to achieve this by 2050.
WHY IS INDIA IS AGAINST NET ZERO TARGET
India says what is more important is to have a pathway to reduce such emissions. Mere announcement of a target means nothing.
But India is doing its bit. Its environment minister Bhupendra Yadav said India was on track to achieve targets set at the 2015 Paris conference.
INDIA'S CHALLENGE
India relies a lot on processes that create greenhouse gases. For example, nearly 70% of electricity generation in India is coal based.
If India has to cut off or even reduce these processes it would have serious implications on the country's economy and on the general public unless there is a viable alternative to the conventional processes.
WHAT CAN YOU AND I DO
Whatever politicians might do or might not, you and I can do our small bit to make this earth a habitable place.
Reduce, reuse and recycle is one such step.
Turning off electrical appliances like fans, air conditioners or lights when not being used is another simple step.
Not wasting water, or walking instead of taking the elevator or the car.
They might not in themselves make a big difference. But if more people adopt these measures, it can cumulatively add up to quite a lot.
Excellent suggestions. Everyone must do.
ReplyDeleteWe grew up with such practices when I was a child, Pradeep. My parents called it 'waste not, want not', and I have never stopped. I don't know when the descent into mass consumerism of everything, including energy, began, but we'd all do well to take a step back and practise these saving measures.
ReplyDeleteHi Vallypee - Same here. My parents inculcated in me the those values.
DeleteThere is so much of business and economy that is driving consumerism and policy matters.
Hopefully, we will make a turn for the better sooner than later.
It's sad that those "in charge" of things aren't more proactive in doing things to combat climate change. We can do our part, but the issues are so big, and it's getting too late to make any real impact.
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteFabulous post - and very much enjoyed the podcast! We must certainly all do our 'waste not want not' as Vallypee says. However, the situation now must definitely be addressed by the powermasters - and sanctions put upon the megzilly-business which is so invested in keeping the status quo.
The next few weeks will certainly be interesting (and likely frustating) to observe! YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Thank you. Yes, let's hope finally the leaders (who actually can do a lot more than we individuals) will wake up to the disaster we all are staring at, and do something rather than make pompous speeches.
DeleteThe way people are 'developing' any amount of power will be insufficient in the future. Unless we switch to green/renewable energy fully, this is not going to happen. Power saving and all that is very temporary.
ReplyDeleteDestination Infinity
Hi Rajesh - True. Switching to eco-friendly alternatives should not burn a hole in my pocket. Government will have to give some incentives. Then people will switch and then hopefully we will make that turn.
DeleteHi Pradeep - Thanks for the podcast ... and I agree with you we must all do what we can ... I'd add eat seasonally and food that has been produced locally.
ReplyDeleteWe live in interesting times ... it'd be great if our leaders could be leaders - and they could have concern for all the under-priveleged.
Take care and let's do what we personally can do. Thanks for this post - Hilary
This is a dilemma for every country Pradeep. Australia has high hopes of decreasing its impact and carbon footprint, but our world just uses so much fuel and there is so much waste. I guess all we can do is try to make a difference in our own homes and in how we can make the little things count.
ReplyDeleteHi Leanne - Thanks. Looks like it's slowly getting worse. I hope our government wake up and do something substantial, provide incentives so that we all can easily switch to more eco-friendly alternatives.
DeletePeople reducing their own carbon footprint doesn't mean much when massive fossil fuel using companies don't do anything to offset their emissions.
ReplyDeleteVery informative
ReplyDeleteI read what you have written with great interest. I have strong thoughts regarding the issue as do most people. I think for myself as opposed to the "news" talking heads. And I gain information from much reading, and some minor research.
ReplyDeleteEach person thinks,"if I go fo r my comforts, it is much less in this wide world. So, no trial from each one to reduce it. Yes, reduce, reuse and recycle will bring down the load of garbage. Nice read.
ReplyDelete