Alexander Chernokulsky, Candidate of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Climate Theory of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Lyudmila Vavilonskaya on the air of the Latvian radio 4 .
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its latest Emissions Gap Report, which warns that countries' new climate commitments are not enough to limit global warming to the levels agreed upon in the Paris Agreement. The report states that global temperatures are on track to rise by at least 2.7°C by the end of the century, far exceeding the 1.5°C target. The updated commitments made by countries fall far short of what is required to achieve the Paris Agreement's temperature goals. The report calls on countries to urgently implement emission reduction actions to address the widening emissions gap. The report's findings were released ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
A report released on November 15th, 2021, by the European Environment Agency revealed that air pollution caused more than 300,000 premature deaths in the 27 EU countries in 2019, the lowest number in 30 years. The report highlights that the number of deaths could be halved if EU countries comply with the World Health Organization's air quality standards. The reduction in deaths is attributed to better air quality resulting from government measures and improved weather conditions. Ozone, a gas that can protect human health by blocking ultraviolet radiation, but can also be harmful to health, contributed to a 10% decrease in death rates in the EU. However, many EU countries still have air pollution that exceeds the EU and WHO standards. The report also highlights that air pollution is a major cause of heart disease and stroke, followed by lung disease, and can also hinder children's lung development, exacerbate respiratory infections, and trigger asthma.
The global climate is becoming increasingly unpredictable due to global warming, leading to concerns among readers of the Figaro newspaper about which ski resorts will be affected by lack of snow by 2040. Some ski resorts are already experiencing a decline in snowfall due to milder winters, leading some industry experts and researchers to suggest the need for a new tourism model. France's ski resorts have seen a decrease in average snowfall from the 1970s, and a comparison of snowfall data between 2014 and 2070 shows that some resorts will be more at risk than others. However, resorts situated at high altitudes, such as those above 2450-2700m, are less likely to be affected. The ski industry will need to adapt to a changing climate and develop alternative economic activities to reduce dependence on winter sports.
The climate summit in Glasgow showcased the determination of countries to control greenhouse gas emissions. China and the US made commitments to strengthen their climate actions, despite political and economic tensions. However, China's agreement with India to reduce the use of coal was weakened, and its emissions are still twice as high as the US and four times as high as India's. Japan pledged to reduce its use of coal. The UN's document on climate change for the first time highlighted coal as a major driver of global warming, with India opposing the motion. The agreement reached called for the gradual reduction of coal use and the end of inefficient subsidies for fossil fuels. To achieve the target of controlling global warming by 1.5°C, emissions must be reduced by 10-45% by 2030, with wealthy nations required to submit new emissions plans by 2025.
A report released in January 2022 by a group of 14 international research teams including the United States, China, and Italy, stated that the global warming caused by CO2 and CH4 has increased due to the rise in sea temperature. The ocean temperatures have been continuously rising for the last three years, making 2021 the warmest year on record since modern ocean observations began. The report highlights that over 90% of global warming occurs in the oceans, and ocean heat content changes are the best indicators of global warming. The main cause of ocean warming is attributed to the increase in greenhouse gases, and its effects could last for at least a century. The report also mentions the influence of natural events like La Niña, which is a natural climate phenomenon, on ocean warming. However, the impact of La Niña is temporary and does not affect the long-term impact of human activities on climate change. The report also warns of the possibility of extreme weather events continuing due to global warming.