In recent weeks climate change have been shown by heatwaves (more than 50C) in Iraq and India (Paul Rogers, 2016). Climate scientists have already warned about global temperature disruption. Measures have been taken and many states participated in the Paris climate summit in December. It was agreed that a limit of 1.5C should be reached (instead of 2.0C) (Paul Rogers, 2016). But evidence suggest that the target is far too low. The figures for February-March already shows an increase of 1.38C (Paul Rogers, 2016). This is because it takes time for the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to be reduced (Paul Rogers, 2016).
However, technologies such as solar power or wind-turbine can substitute coal-fired power-stations. There are also new technologies like perovskite photovoltaics that are highly efficient and could be used for solar energy. (Paul Rogers, 2016). There is also ‘energy storage’ (by Chris Goodall) in order to store energy when it is not needed. (Paul Rogers, 2016).
Others argue that there should measures taken such as shutting down coal-fired power-stations worldwide by 2020 and ending the use of internal combustion engine in transportation by 2030 (Paul Rogers, 2016). The reality is that it is possible to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere if adequate technology is used, and if measures such as the Paris climate summit are taken and applied seriously.
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Written by Anna Akpawu