What Progress Has Been Made on Climate Change?

In recent years, climate change has become one of the most pressing issues facing humanity, with scientists warning of catastrophic consequences if not addressed. Amidst the growing urgency, governments, corporations, and individuals have been working together to mitigate the effects of climate change. In this article, we’ll explore the progress that has been made so far and what still needs to be done.

Renewable Energy

One significant area of progress is the shift towards renewable energy sources. In 2019, renewable energy accounted for 26% of global electricity generation, up from 21% in 2010. Solar and wind power have seen particularly strong growth, with their share of the global energy mix increasing by 30% and 12%, respectively, between 2010 and 2019.

The decrease in renewable energy costs has been a key driver of this growth. The cost of solar energy, for example, has fallen by 70% over the past decade, making it more competitive with fossil fuels. This trend is expected to continue, with international agencies forecasting that solar and wind power will become the cheapest forms of energy in the coming years.

Electric Vehicles

Another significant area of progress is the growth of electric vehicles (EVs). In 2019, there were over 2 million EVs on the road, up from just 17,000 in 2010. Governments are playing a crucial role in driving this growth, with many countries offering incentives such as tax breaks, grants, and subsidies to encourage the adoption of EVs.

The rise of EVs is significant because they have the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which currently accounts for around 15% of global emissions.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Infrastructure is another area where progress has been made. In 2019, the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, a network of over 10,000 cities, launched a initiative to build climate-resilient infrastructure.

Cities around the world are also investing in green infrastructure, such as green roofs, rain gardens, and flood-control systems. These investments not only help to reduce the impacts of climate change but also improve air and water quality, public health, and the overall quality of life.

Carbon Pricing

Carbon pricing is another area where progress has been made. Over 40 countries have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, which put a direct cost on carbon emissions to discourage their release. The European Union, for example, has a carbon market that covers around 45% of its economy.

While carbon pricing is a key tool for reducing emissions, some experts argue that the prices are too low to be effective. There are also concerns about the distribution of the revenues generated by carbon pricing, with some countries using them to fund fossil fuel subsidy programs.

Challenges Remain

Despite the progress that has been made, there is still much work to be done to address climate change. One of the biggest challenges is the need for faster and more ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The IPCC warns that to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, which is considered necessary to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, emissions must be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.

Another challenge is the need for greater international cooperation. Climate change is a global problem that requires global solutions. However, there is still a lack of agreement among countries on how to address the issue, with some countries draggin their heels on making commitments to reduce their emissions.

Conclusion

While progress has been made on climate change, there is still much work to be done. Renewable energy, electric vehicles, climate-resilient infrastructure, and carbon pricing are all areas where significant steps have been taken. However, the need for faster and more ambitious action to reduce emissions and international cooperation remain significant challenges.

As the IPCC warns, the window for action is rapidly closing. It is essential that governments, corporations, and individuals work together to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and prevent the worst impacts of climate change.