Climate Change Report 2021

Posted by invest on December 9th, 2022

During the first decade of the 21st century, we have experienced an increase in sea surface temperatures, resulting in rising carbon dioxide concentrations in the oceans. In fact, carbon dioxide concentrations are now at unprecedented levels. This means that we need to act immediately to achieve the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement.

Carbon dioxide concentrations reached new highs in 2020

During the past few hundred years, global atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide have risen significantly. This increase is due to the burning of fossil fuels.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is a major driving force of climate change. It traps heat in the atmosphere. It has been found that the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is now 50 percent higher than it was during the preindustrial era.

In May, the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere reached its highest point ever measured. The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recorded 419 parts per million (ppm) of the greenhouse gas. This was the highest level observed in the last four million years.

Long-term strategies account for 83% of the world's GDP and 44% of the global population in 2019

Despite recent progress in tackling climate change, global greenhouse gas emissions are set to rise a further 10.6% by 2030. It is therefore vital that we reduce our GHG emissions quickly to avoid the worst effects of global warming. This is especially true in cities where the impacts of climate change are most significant. Using wood alternatives in street improvement projects and including trees in street planting schemes will help to reduce GHG emissions.

The UN Climate Change agency assessed 24 updated NDCs submitted after last year's UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow. The agency said this was a strong signal that the world is beginning to aim for net-zero emissions by 2050.

Ambitious climate action before 2030 is urgently needed to achieve the long-term goals under the Paris Agreement

Almost every country on earth is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Changing weather patterns, deadly heat waves, flooding, droughts, civil strife, and more are all commonplace. This has created the need for urgent climate action.

The Paris Climate Agreement is intended to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2100. It also provides pathways for developing nations to help reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Until recently, the United States - the world's largest emitter - was the only country to officially withdraw from the agreement. In June 2017, President Donald Trump announced his intent to withdraw.

Despite the withdrawal, many countries have continued to respond to the demands of climate change. The European Union, for example, pledged to reduce emissions by 55 percent by 2030, a move that should result in a "net-zero" emissions world by 2050.

Business opportunities associated with the transition to a low carbon economy

Across the globe, there are many business opportunities associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. These range from a dramatic increase in efficiency to innovative new business models. They also provide companies with a competitive edge in shifting consumer preferences.

As the economic impact of climate change intensifies, companies must take action to avoid disruption and prepare for the low carbon future. They must restructure business models and adopt new technologies. They can also partner with governments, community groups, and small-scale local entrepreneurs to capitalize on the opportunities of a low-carbon economy. These partnerships help to share costs and risks and drive innovation at scale.

Ocean warming rates in the past two decades

Compared to the long-term trend, global ocean warming rates have increased especially during the past two decades. These changes have a major impact on our environment, including weather, sea level rise, and algal blooms. They have also affected species, which are moving north to find cooler waters.

Over the last decade, the rate of ocean warming has accelerated to 0.280degC per decade. This is 4.5 times higher than the long-term mean. In addition to warming rates, the ocean has also taken in excessive heat from the atmosphere.

In addition, global sea level has risen 19 cm during the last century. This has impacted marine ecosystems and has reshaped marine communities.

Impacts on ecosystems

Species, plants, and other living things respond to climate change in a variety of ways. These responses may be influenced by multiple factors including human land use and pollution. In some cases, these responses will limit the ability of species to adapt. In other cases, these responses can help ecosystems recover from disturbances.

A variety of research is currently being conducted on the impacts of climate change on ecosystems. These findings have important implications for our understanding of how ecosystems can be managed. Adaptation to climate change should focus on habitat maintenance, species composition, and overall ecosystem structure. These solutions may also benefit from habitat connectivity.