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Climate crisis: Invest in a holistic strategy

Climate crisis: Invest in a holistic strategy

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An emergency response must be coordinated with mitigation efforts at a time when global temperatures are rapidly approaching.

The global average surface temperature for 2022-2026 will likely be between 1.1 to 1.7 degrees Celsius higher than preindustrial times. There is a high likelihood (93%) of one of these years being the warmest, which would remove 2016 from the dubious distinction, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Without mincing words, WMO secretary-general Petteri Taalas reminded the world that temperatures will continue to rise as long as “we continue to emit greenhouse gases”. The world could fail to meet the ambitious 2015 Paris Agreement goal of limiting global temperature rises below 1.5 degrees if the rising temperature prediction is true. This breach could have devastating consequences for the world, including increased frequency of severe heatwaves and cyclones, as well as extreme rainfall for India.

India is witnessing a series of climate-sparked extremes this summer. India is prone to heatwaves, particularly in May and June. However, summer started early this year with warm temperatures starting in March — the average maximum temperatures were the highest in 122years. Heatwaves began to set in during the month and continued into April.

The stress caused by rising mercury on coal-fired energy systems has highlighted how interconnected climate action is and energy transition. Future predictions and the current situation show that India must continue to pursue a multi-sectoral, multi-pronged approach in order to address the climate crisis. This includes investing more in renewable energy, improving the health of power generation infrastructure, and implementing heat-related health advisories. An emergency response must be coordinated with mitigation efforts at a time when global temperatures are rapidly approaching.

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