Human activity since the mid-20th century has caused the current warming of the climate systems, and it is increasing at an unprecedented rate. According to NASA, the average surface temperature has risen by 0.9̊̊ C since the 19th century. The situation has been worsening for the last 35 years, which led to the declaration of 2016 as the warmest year on record. Several economic models associated with Climate Change try to provide evidence that such rise in temperatures has had tremendous impacts on productivity and workforce capacity. The oceans absorb the heat, and since 1969, oceans have been warming at more than 0.4̊ F. Such warming harms the food chain and kills oceanic fauna. The ice sheets are shrinking, and the Republic of Maldives is amongst the most vulnerable to the consequent sea-level rise. The World Bank reported that by 2100, the island nation could be completely submerged underwater which could mean a loss of at least U.S. $8.5 Billion p.a. for Maldives by 2100. Global Warming could damage 7.22% in real World GDP by 2100, as reported by the IMF. However, it has also been estimated that approximately U.S. $17,489 billion per year can be saved by 2100 if the right policy interventions are put into place.
Scramble and Blueprint
A study by Shell discusses Scramble and Blueprints. Both these themes provide essential insights into the working of economies around the world. This article tries to give a new dimension to the theory and links it to environmental conservation, sustainability, and climate change.
Scramble concerns the policies of national governments. History has shown that climate action and environmental planning are a little too unpopular for politicians around the globe. On a higher level, the bilateral government deals also contribute to the significant ecological scramble. In its original terms, Shell is determined to scramble increasingly as a substantial resource holder of the rule-makers than the rule takers.
The Blueprint describes the dynamics of new coalitions of interest; with no uniform objectives, it defines a world where noble fears about economic prospects forge new alliances that promote action in both developed and developing nations. These become progressively linked as national governments are forced to harmonize, resulting in patchworks of measures and take advantage of the opportunities afforded by these emerging political initiatives. These include organizations like the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, United Nations, The World Bank etc.
Scrambled bumpy road instances have taken place around the globe. This article focuses on two government actions that were scrambled which came out of an unrealistic approach towards climate change, and two non-scrambled approaches that are benefiting:
The US
Foremost is the United States who has been seen maintaining the bottom position in the Climate Change Performance Index 2020. It can majorly be attributed to the Trump regime whose policies are highly destructive and non-sustainable. The country has no policy nor a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. National experts have determined the U.S. climate change policy as non-existent based on several parameters. Moreover, the country has started the procedure to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Accord, which is to be finalized on 4th November 2020.
North Korea
Another example is the Republic of Korea, which has very high per capita GHG emissions and per capita energy use. Achieving the -2̊ C target is a little too unambitious given its 2030 goals in reducing GHG emissions and per capita energy use. Korea remains in the list of medium performers in terms of Renewable sources of energy. The targets aim at stabilizing and not decreasing carbon emissions. The country also fell short in meeting its emission targets to be achieved in 2020(set in 2009). Air pollution from coal-firing plants has been a severe problem in the state, but the plans haven’t been formalized since 2017. South Korea has been at the brink of war with North Korea but has ignored a more severe battle against pollution and carbon emissions.
Portugal and Sweden
Among the few countries that are maiden runners in their ability to achieve -2̊ C targets by 2030 are Portugal and Sweden. Sweden has a very active climate action framework, which includes the highest Carbon Tax in the world (the most effective way to encourage mitigation) and the Emissions Trading system, which has kept its targets well within the national emissions cap. The country has shown its ability to become 100% renewable by 2045 with its constructive policy measures. Moreover, the contributions of Sweden have been very generous in the Green Climate Fund set up by the European Union. (India has shown fast-moving trends towards renewable energy, but a significant hurdle in this regard remains the fossil fuel subsidies and a high dependence on coal)