By Sandy Wagdy

 Climate change represents a major threat to long-term growth and prosperity, and it has a direct impact on all countries` major’s well-being. It is expected to push an extra 132 million people into poverty by 2030, with health factors accounting for one-third of the cause. Increases in extreme weather occurrences are also putting pressure on healthcare systems.

It has been 30 years since the Rio Summit brought countries together to address climate change, which was formerly regarded as a problem but is now clearly a crisis. Two things have altered since then: the climate has changed quicker than projected, and it has become an economic development concern, not just an environmental one.

Scientists, on the other hand, say there is no question that the extremely rapid climate change experienced over the last century is the result of human activity. They attribute this to the extensive use of fossil fuels - coal, oil, and gas - in homes, factories, and transportation.

When fossil fuels are burned, they emit greenhouse gasses, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2). These extra gasses capture additional energy in the atmosphere near the Earth`s surface, raising the planet`s temperature.

What are the effects of climate change so far?

Increase in world average temperature may not seem like much, but it has already had a significant impact on the environment. So far, the following effects have been observed:

●       Heatwaves, droughts, and floods are becoming increasingly common and intense.

●       Rapid melting of glaciers and ice sheets contributes to rising sea levels.

●       Massive reductions in Arctic Sea ice, ocean warming, and marine heatwaves.

As a result, people`s lives are already changing. The prolonged East African drought, for example, has put more than 20 million people at danger of severe starvation. The 2022 European heatwaves resulted in an unusually high number of deaths. In recent decades, extreme weather disasters have caused trillions of dollars in economic damage. However, the World Meteorological Organization claims that as early warning systems have improved, the death toll has actually decreased.

About climate change, what actions are governments taking?

A historic deal was struck in Paris in 2015, where over 200 nations committed to attempting to limit global warming to 1.5C. Scientists advised that to do this, nations need to attain net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Achieving net zero emissions entails minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and eliminating any leftover emissions from the atmosphere.

Most nations have net zero targets in place or are exploring doing so, but many of these are post-2050. The amount of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere is still rising, despite the gradual progress made in the real world. Because of this, UN scientists estimate that, given current government targets, global warming will be "likely" to exceed 1.5C.

What can one person do?

Small adjustments made by people can also have an impact, according to scientists, but major changes must come from businesses and governments:

●       Travel on fewer planes

●       Reduce energy use and increase energy efficiency and insulation in homes.

●       Replace gas central heating with electric systems like heat pumps or transition to electric automobiles or a car-free lifestyle.

●       Consume less beef.