Nov 10 2014 : The Economic Times (Delhi)

Case for Fighting Climate Change





The fifth, and final, assessment report of the UN-mandated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is replete with facts, figures and telescopic projections on the risks of global warming. The expert report reiterates “clear and growing“ scientific evidence that anthropogenic emissions of CO2 and other gases causing the greenhouse effect pose serious climate risks, which are likely to be “severe, pervasive and irreversible“ in their impact. However, the report is also sanguine that the risks can well be reduced with proactive policies.The report says that average global temperatures have risen by 0.85° C during 1880-2012, and further that the increase from pre-industrial times needs to be no more than 2° C, to effecti vely contain the risks. It makes eminent sense for policymakers to boost climate friendly measures and reduce emissions of CO2, and not merely as insurance. Giv en that energy poverty is widespread in India, we do need to rev up green, renew able sources as a real alternative to our current fossil fuel-dominated system. Innovations like more efficient solar panels, storage batteries and gasification of coal promise to be sources of sustainable advantage for corporates, utilities and consumers alike.
The advanced economies do need to firm up clear-cut targets for emission reduction at the global climate talks next year.The move would incentivise resource allocation and innovation, and speed up change in the techno-economic paradigm. In tandem, given our low per-capita energy consumption, we do need to go out of our way to shore up energy efficiency across the board and also purposefully boost green energy . The Narendra Modi government needs to be much more forthcoming on plans to implement its ambitious, more than fivefold increase in the target for solar power.