COP27 is beginning at Egypt on November 6 and the experiences of the period between COP26 at Glasgow, Scotland and this summit is a glaring affirmation that in the intervening period precious little has been done about greenhouse gas emissions which is stuck at 40 billion metric tonnes annually. Also during this period almost all over the world namely in the US, UK, Portugal, Spain, France, Australia and even China heat waves with temperatures ranging from 40 degrees Centigrade to 47 degrees Centigrade have caused wildfires as a direct consequence of the warming of the earth due to trapping of the heat of the sun and the resultant rise in temperatures. It is observed that in many countries the heat has raged by more than 5-6 degrees Centigrade especially in the usually temperate regions, at times, which is an alarming warning.
Drastic action has to be pledged at the COP27 meet in Egypt to reduce urgently the number of coal-fired power plants in the world which now number at 8,500 and which contribute about 40% of the earth’s greenhouse gas emissions. Ground realities have to be considered and in a span of 5 years, the world has to collectively pledge to phase out maximum number of coal-fired power plants. It is also a fact that there are 439 nuclear power plants in the world that are 2.3 times more efficient in producing power than coal-fired power plants and thus nuclear power with very strict safety mechanisms in place can replace coal-fired power plants to vastly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. An inventory system of which coal-fired power plants are taken up for phasing out have to be pledged in a faster time-frame. As long as 3.6-4% enriched uranium, plutonium and thorium is available nuclear energy can be harnessed in order to draw up a road map for phasing specific coal-fired power plants.
Meanwhile, solar power plants and wind turbine energy can be also developed in order to create renewable sources of energy in areas where ample sunlight occurs. Other sources like hydro-electric power, geothermal power should also be developed in suitable areas.
The transition of petrol and diesel vehicles to electric vehicles has also lagged behind and only the UK and Norway have shown urgency in replacing petrol and diesel which along with aviation turbine fuel account for 15% of global gas emissions. Unless the use of fossil fuels is drastically reduced, the warming of the earth and its consequent effect on climate change will continue. It is better to set short-term and specific reduction targets and to achieve phasing out of fossil fuel generated power as early as possible.
The four major emitters of greenhouse gases that is China, United States, European countries and India have to show the way in order to achieve reduction of the carbon footprint which together among these countries account for 50% of global emissions. The world cannot wait any longer and drastic action now is required to reduce the mercury levels globally by following a well coordinated policy that encompasses every country so as to save the earth from climatic catastrophe and green development. A stitch in time saves nine.
