Topics for Lecturette

Main Body

• Background of the Issue: The Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of a dramatic increase in the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, which has significantly contributed to the accumulation of GHGs such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane in the Earth’s atmosphere. Over the last century, the Earth’s average surface temperature has risen by about 1°C, with the decade between 2010-2020 being the hottest on record.
• The Paris Agreement (2015) was a landmark international accord that brought nations together to combat climate change and limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, while aiming for 1.5°C. Despite these efforts, recent reports suggest that the world is still on track for a temperature increase of 2.7°C by the end of the century, with catastrophic consequences.
• Relevance in the Present Context: In 2023, extreme weather events were increasingly attributed to climate change, with record-breaking heatwaves across Europe and wildfires in North America and Australia. In India, severe flooding and cyclones in states like Kerala and Odisha have raised awareness about the country’s vulnerability to climate change.
• India, as a rapidly developing nation with a population of over 1.3 billion, faces a unique challenge. It is the third-largest emitter of GHGs, yet also one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures are affecting agriculture, water availability, and health, with the Indian monsoon becoming more erratic.
• Questions to Generate Discussion:
1. How can India balance economic growth with climate action?
2. What are the roles of developed and developing countries in addressing global warming?
3. How can renewable energy sources mitigate the effects of climate change?
• Points For and Against: For:
1. Climate change is a global crisis that demands urgent action from all nations.
2. Renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power are now economically viable alternatives to fossil fuels.
3. Adaptation measures, such as building climate-resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, are essential for long-term survival.
• Against:
1. Developing countries, like India, need to focus on economic growth to lift millions out of poverty, which may require some reliance on fossil fuels.
2. The cost of transitioning to renewable energy and implementing climate action can be prohibitive for low-income nations.
3. Developed nations are historically responsible for most emissions and should bear the primary responsibility for addressing climate change.
• Way Forward: To combat climate change, countries need to work together to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices. For India, initiatives like International Solar Alliance and a push towards electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Reforestation projects, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power are crucial steps.
• Moreover, financial and technological support from developed nations is necessary for developing countries like India to transition smoothly to a low-carbon economy. Policies aimed at reducing emissions, such as carbon pricing and the promotion of green technology, should be adopted at both the national and international levels.