Beat climate change before it’s too late
IS THE Cop26 agreement enough?
I hope I’m wrong but I think the answer is no. Some results are encouraging. But grand proclamations mean nothing unless followed up with results. Those results should all be leading to one goal – to keep temperatures rising below 1.5°C. But even on the most optimistic forecast, the temperatures are going to be higher and that doesn’t take into account the extra emissions from the horrendous fires around the world during the summer.
The science and technology is there to solve this problem. And science tells us exactly what we must do – leave fossil fuels in the ground. The cost of this will mean a huge investment in clean renewables and possible changes to our lifestyles during this transition. It’s an incredibly hard task but we must try, because what’s the alternative? There isn’t any alternative other than a descent into hell. I’m not a climate scientist, but, as a mathematician, I’ve studied the numbers, and they all point towards this conclusion.
The good news is that there are hundreds of innovative businesses now investing heavily in research and development in renewable energy. These private businesses are leading the way. But it will take more investment and time. Papering over the cracks (metaphorically speaking) such as by building stronger flood defences will not be enough because we don’t know where the boundaries lie. And remember, if sea levels rise, following the melting of the polar ice caps, it’s not something that can be undone. This is why it’s so important to fix it. The consequences of climate change could be permanent for us all.
But do the politicians have the political will to do it or do the people understand the seriousness of the climate crisis? Only last week I read a Western Mail letter from someone who even refuted the world was getting hotter? This is absurd. It’s like denying that 1+1=2. The irrefutable truth is that the planet’s temperature has already increased by 1.3°C and will spiral out of control unless we all act. Political parties and people around the world must work together to solve the most serious crisis that humankind has ever faced.
Dr Keith Darlington
Caldicot