The history of our planet is marked by dramatic shifts and transformations. When Earth first emerged, it was a boiling mass of molten rock and gases—far from the hospitable environment we know today. Over time, it gradually cooled, shedding its thermal energy into space, eventually stabilizing into a temperate climate conducive to life. With this transformation, diverse life forms began to emerge, leading to the birth of a balanced ecosystem. Plants and animals coexisted harmoniously, with plants absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, while animals did the opposite. This reciprocal relationship maintained a stable balance of gases in the atmosphere—a balance that lasted peacefully until the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.
The Industrial Revolution: A Turning Point
The Industrial Revolution ushered in a new era of mechanization, dramatically improving productivity and transforming global economies. However, this leap in technological advancement came with a heavy cost: the unchecked consumption of fossil fuels. The combustion of gasoline and coal began releasing enormous amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. According to the Kyoto Protocol, seven major greenhouse gases contribute significantly to global warming: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), and nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃). The aim of the Kyoto Protocol was to reduce the concentration of these gases, but it ultimately fell short of its targets.
To put it into perspective, burning a single liter of gasoline produces nearly 2 kg of CO₂. Meanwhile, a single human exhales enough carbon dioxide in a day that would require about fifteen mature trees to offset. In aggregate, the global population continuously feeds CO₂ into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
The Global Response: UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) serves as the primary global body addressing climate change. Its decision-making arm, the Conference of Parties (COP), meets annually to negotiate and implement climate policies. One of the most significant milestones in climate action was COP21, held in Paris. During this event, global leaders pledged to limit global warming to “well below 2°C,” with aspirations of capping the rise at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This commitment was formalized in the Paris Agreement.
However, despite these promises, global temperatures have continued to rise, threatening to surpass 2.8°C in the coming years. This stark reality exposes the inadequacy of current measures and highlights the need for stricter enforcement of global pledges.
The Path Forward: Carbon Reduction and Net Zero Goals
To achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions must be halved by 2030, with a further push toward net zero by 2050. This demands a minimum 30% reduction in fossil fuel consumption by 2030—a target known as “30 by 30.” However, this ambition seems implausible given the rapid rate of population growth and economic expansion.
The Paris Agreement, despite its limitations, remains the cornerstone of climate legislation. It has spurred the creation of national policies aimed at reducing carbon footprints. Yet, the six largest emitters—China, the USA, India, the European Union, Russia, and Brazil—account for half of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, while 45 of the least developed countries contribute only 3% as of 2023. This disparity illustrates the disproportionate vulnerability of poorer nations to climate change impacts.
Financial Responsibility and Global Commitments
At COP29 held in Baku, it was agreed that developed nations and major emitters would provide $300 billion annually—triple the previous commitment—to help vulnerable countries address climate impacts. Yet, the impact of this climate funding remains to be seen. For these investments to be meaningful, they must be effectively utilized to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development.
The Dual Nature of Greenhouse Gases
Interestingly, a moderate concentration of greenhouse gases is crucial for life on Earth. These gases trap sufficient heat to maintain temperatures conducive to life. In their absence, the planet would become inhospitably cold. Conversely, excessive greenhouse gases result in global warming, triggering a cascade of environmental disasters: polar ice melt, sea-level rise, desert expansion, extreme weather events, and the extinction of species in vulnerable ecosystems.
Worse yet, global warming can trigger feedback loops, accelerating climate change and risking irreversible tipping points. The potential consequences for future generations are dire, potentially rendering our planet uninhabitable if climate policies are not enforced with urgency.
Three Pillars of Climate Action: Mitigation, Adaptation, and Financing
The Paris Agreement outlines three critical strategies for combating climate change: mitigation, adaptation, and financing. Mitigation involves reducing emissions through afforestation, transitioning to renewable energy, and implementing strict carbon laws. Adaptation focuses on building resilience against climate impacts, while financing ensures adequate support for developing nations. Sustainable practices such as carbon farming—where carbon is sequestered in soil—play a pivotal role in these efforts. Forests, oceans, and soil are the planet’s major carbon sinks, yet they are deteriorating due to deforestation, pollution, and industrial activities.
Oceans, in particular, act as vast carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 90% of the planet’s excess heat. Their degradation not only threatens marine life but also weakens one of our most powerful defenses against climate change.
The Call to Action: Securing Our Future
The current climate crisis is largely anthropogenic, exacerbated by human activities that disrupt the natural balance. As populations and industries grow, so do their carbon footprints, jeopardizing the delicate harmony between living organisms and their environment. Our planet is fragile, and its survival depends on global cooperation and individual accountability.
The Global Stocktake, a mechanism of the Paris Agreement, reviews progress every five years. It is imperative that this review process is strengthened, holding nations accountable for their commitments. Each individual, organization, and government must take responsibility for reducing their carbon emissions. Only with collective action and strict adherence to climate agreements can we hope to pass on a livable planet to future generations.
Failure to act decisively would undoubtedly accelerate environmental decline, pushing us closer to a catastrophic tipping point. The Paris Agreement must not be seen as a burden, but rather as a blueprint for survival. Protecting our planet is not just an option—it is an obligation.
The writer holds an M.Sc. degree in Physics and is currently teaching Physics in Colleges, Nepal.