This past decade has been confirmed as the hottest on record, continuing an alarming 30-year trend driven “by greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.” The statements were made by the secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, WMO, Petteri Taalas, when presenting a new report from the UN agency this Tuesday during COP28, in Dubai.
Emissions and fossil fuels
The decade from 2011 to 2020 was, therefore, marked by temperature records, both on land and in the ocean. During this period, greenhouse gas concentrations continually increased, thus contributing to the dramatic loss of glaciers and rising sea levels.
At the recent event, as reported by “UN News”, the countries agreed to establish a new voluntary fund. This fund aims to compensate vulnerable nations for losses and damages resulting from climate change. However, in the coming days, challenging negotiations are planned regarding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating the use of fossil fuels.
Transformation of the last decade
The State of the Climate report then reveals that between 2011 and 2020, more countries recorded record temperatures than in any other decade. He also warns, however, of the “particularly profound transformation” occurring in polar regions and high-altitude areas.
The WMO, therefore, still warns that climate impacts are undermining sustainable development, with severe impacts on global food security, displacement and migration.
Continuous warming in decade
Each decade since the 1990s has been warmer, with no signs of reversing, says WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. Reducing emissions is essential to avoid climate change.
The report highlights advances and concerns. Eliminating products that deplete the ozone layer reduced the Antarctic hole from 2011 to 2020. Forecasts and early warnings reduced casualties, but economic losses increased.
Despite the increase in climate finance from 2011 to 2020, the report highlights the need for a sevenfold increase by the end of the decade to achieve climate goals.
Air conditioning
As temperatures rise, the demand for air conditioners and cooling equipment grows. During the COP28 climate negotiations, a report suggests reducing emissions in this sector.
More than 60 countries have joined the “cooling pledge” to mitigate climate impact. This could provide universal access to cooling, ease pressures on power grids and save trillions of dollars by 2050.
UNEP estimates that more than 1 billion people, mainly in Africa and Asia, face high risk from extreme heat due to lack of access to cooling.
Hot waves hit last decade
Furthermore, almost a third of the world's population is exposed to deadly heat waves for more than 20 days a year. Cooling brings relief to people and is essential for several critical areas and services, such as global food security and vaccine delivery through refrigeration.
But at the same time, conventional cooling, like air conditioning, is a huge driver of climate change, responsible for more than 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. If energy needs for space cooling are not managed properly, they will triple by 2050, along with associated emissions.
If current growth trends continue, cooling equipment will account for 20% of total electricity consumption and could more than double by 2050.
Energy devourers
The UNEP report highlights that measures to reduce equipment energy consumption have the potential to reduce projected sectoral emissions by 60% by 2050.
Inger Andersen, UNEP executive director, emphasizes that the cooling sector must expand to protect against rising temperatures. This is crucial to maintain food quality and safety, ensure the stability of vaccines and promote productive economies.
However, she highlighted that this growth should not come “at the expense of the energy transition and more intense climate impacts”
Global Cooling Commitment
The Global Cooling Commitment, a joint initiative between the UAE, hosts of COP28, and the UNEP-led 'Cool Coalition', released the report. The document outlines actions that should be taken, including implementing passive cooling strategies such as insulation, natural shading, ventilation and reflective surfaces. Furthermore, it highlights the need to adopt higher energy efficiency standards and a rapid reduction in hydrofluorocarbons, responsible for climate warming.
Following the report's recommendations could reduce predicted emissions for 2050 by around 3.8 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
Source: datagro
