The urgent need for global action to address climate change cannot be overstated. As you highlight, individual efforts, while commendable, are insufficient to tackle the magnitude of this crisis. To effectively combat climate change, policy changes and structural transformations are imperative at the global level.
First and foremost, a global transition to renewable energy sources is crucial. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), renewable energy accounts for only 25% of the world’s energy production. To reverse this trend, governments must incentivize the use of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power through tax credits, subsidies, and investments in infrastructure. Moreover, the IPCC recommends that at least 60% of the world’s energy production should come from renewable sources by 2050.
Another critical policy change is the implementation of carbon pricing. Placing a price on carbon emissions creates an economic incentive for companies and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint. According to the World Bank, carbon pricing can cut emissions by up to 20%. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System, which caps carbon emissions and allows companies to trade permits, is a successful example of carbon pricing in action. In 2021, the EU carbon price reached a record high of over 60 euros per tonne.
In addition to these policy changes, structural transformations are necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector, which accounts for 23% of global emissions, must undergo a radical overhaul. Governments can encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by offering subsidies, investing in charging infrastructure, and implementing stricter fuel efficiency standards. Moreover, public transportation systems must be expanded and improved to reduce reliance on personal vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency, electric vehicles could account for 60% of global car sales by 2030, if supported by strong policies.
Agriculture, another significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, requires fundamental changes. The IPCC suggests that sustainable agriculture practices, such as agroforestry, cover crops, and organic farming, can increase soil carbon sequestration and reduce emissions. Governments can incentivize farmers to adopt these practices by providing financial support, training, and technical assistance. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, sustainable agriculture practices could reduce emissions by as much as 84% in some regions.
Furthermore, the waste management sector must undergo a drastic transformation. According to the United Nations, up to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from waste management. To address this issue, governments can implement waste reduction and recycling programs, increase public education and awareness, and invest in waste-to-energy technologies. According to the German Federal Statistical Office, waste management emissions in Germany decreased by 71% between 1990 and 2020, thanks to improved recycling and waste-to-energy systems.
Finally, global cooperation and collective action are essential to address the climate crisis. The Paris Agreement, signed by 196 countries, sets a framework for global cooperation on climate change. However, the agreement’s success depends on countries’ willingness to honor their commitments and increase their ambitions. The international community must work together to establish a global carbon pricing mechanism, share clean technologies, and provide financial and technical assistance to developing countries. According to the Climate Action Tracker, the current pledges under the Paris Agreement are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and would result in 2.4°C of warming by 2100.
