The Role of the Governments in Combating the Impacts of Climate Change
Photo credit: UNClimateChange
Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of Earth's climate patterns, including variations in temperature, precipitation, and other weather conditions, as a result of human activities and natural factors. The impact of climate change is increasingly being felt around the world, with rising sea levels, more frequent and severe weather events, and other ecological disruptions. Governments play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Impacts of Climate Change
One of the most visible impacts of climate change is rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global sea levels have risen by about 15 cm since the late 19th century. This rise is primarily due to the melting of glaciers and ice sheets, as well as the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. If emissions continue at current levels, sea levels could rise by up to 1 meter by the end of this century, putting millions of people living in coastal regions at risk of flooding and displacement.
Another significant impact of climate change is the increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and floods are becoming more common, and their impacts are often devastating. For example, typhoon Yolanda or internationally known as Haiyan, which struck the Philippines in 2013, caused over $12.9 billion in damages and led to the death of 6300 people.
Climate change is also having significant impacts on biodiversity, with many species facing extinction due to changes in temperature and habitat. The IPCC states that around 20-30% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction if global temperatures continue to rise by 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels. Coral reefs, in particular, are under threat, with up to 90% of the world's reefs expected to die off if we do not take action to reduce emissions.
Role of Government in Combating the Effects of Climate Change
The role of government in combating the effects of climate change is multi-faceted and involves a wide range of actions, from setting emissions targets and regulating polluters to investing in renewable energy and promoting sustainable practices. One of the most significant ways that governments can combat climate change is by setting emissions targets and developing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For example, in the United States, the Biden administration has set a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 for the United States. He is also implementing policies to phase out fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Another key role of governments in combating climate change is regulating polluters and holding them accountable for their emissions. This can take the form of emissions caps, carbon taxes, or other forms of regulation that limit the amount of greenhouse gases that can be emitted by businesses and industries. By holding polluters accountable for their emissions, governments can incentivize companies to invest in more sustainable practices and technologies.
In addition to setting emissions targets and regulating polluters, governments can also invest in renewable energy sources and promote sustainable practices. This can involve funding research and development of new technologies, offering incentives for companies to invest in renewable energy, and promoting energy-efficient building practices.
Policies to Mitigate Climate Change
One of the most important government policies to mitigate climate change is the implementation of emissions reduction targets. This involves setting a goal for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing policies to achieve that goal. For example, in 2015, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) adopted the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Many countries have since adopted emissions reduction targets in line with the Paris Agreement, and are working to implement policies to achieve those targets.
Another key government policy to mitigate climate change is the use of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems. These policies put a price on carbon emissions, incentivizing businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, in Canada, the federal government has implemented a carbon pricing system that puts a price on carbon emissions and returns the revenue to households through rebates. Similarly, the European Union has implemented a cap-and-trade system that places a limit on the amount of carbon emissions that can be produced by certain industries.
In addition to emissions reduction targets and carbon pricing mechanisms, many governments are investing in renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable practices. For example, the United States government recently announced a plan to invest $2 trillion in infrastructure and clean energy over the next decade, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Importance of Government Intervention in Combating Climate Change
Climate change is a global issue that requires a collective effort to address, and governments have the power to implement policies and regulations that can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.
However, it is important to note that the government cannot mitigate the impacts of climate change alone. It requires the participation and cooperation of individuals, businesses, and other stakeholders to achieve meaningful progress.
At BillionBricks, we advocate mitigation of the impacts of climate change through our net zero community. Find out if your land qualifies for our net-zero homes and communities and get to know more about BillionBricks and our co-founders by booking a call with us at https://billionbricks.org/interest-forms
Sources
IPCC. (2021). Sea Level Rise. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/chapter/chapter-4-sea-level-rise-and-implications-for-low-lying-islands-coasts-and-communities/
IPCC. (2018). Global Warming of 1.5°C. Retrieved from https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/
World Wildlife Fund. (2021). Climate Change and Biodiversity. https://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/effects-of-climate-change
Environmental Defense Fund. (2021). Out Impact. Retrieved from https://www.edf.org/impact
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2021). What is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change? Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/what-is-the-united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change
The White House. (2021). President Biden’s plan to build back better. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/build-back-better/
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (n.d.). The Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement/the-paris-agreement
European Commission. (n.d.). The EU emissions trading system (EU ETS). Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets_en
