The ticking climate clock serves as a stark reminder of the urgency we face. It counts down the time until global temperatures breach the critical threshold of 1.5ᵒC, beyond which the devastating effects of climate change become irreversible. The countdown is influenced by two crucial factors:
The remaining carbon budget to limit global warming to a specific temperature.
The ongoing rate of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is 1.5ᵒC Important? To combat climate change effectively, global warming must be kept below 1.5ᵒC, as emphasized by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). In 2020, the World Meteorological Organization estimated less than a 20% chance of staying below this threshold within five years. However, in 2023, they revised their assessment, stating a 66% likelihood of exceeding 1.5ᵒC between 2023 and 2027. The relentless march of the industrial revolution and the emissions from fossil fuels have accelerated global warming to alarming levels. (Excerpt from “We Have Now Less than Six Years Left on Climate Clock before Climate Change Becomes Irreversible”, India Times, Bobins Abraham, 26 July 2023)
Time Is of the Essence
“Climate change is not some sort of scientific projection. It is happening now; it is happening here. It is happening to all of us, and it’s going to get worse. And our job is to make it get as least-worst as possible by moving forward on ambitious solutions that create a juster world and preserve a livable one,” said Climate Clock CEO Andrew Boyd.
(Excerpt from “The World Now Has Less than Six Years to Prevent Irreversible Effects of Climate Change”, Channel News Asia, Sally Patterson and Fabian Koh, 26 July 2023)
Hottest Day Ever
The devastating effects of global warming are already evident. On 3 July 2023, the world experienced its hottest day ever recorded, with an average global temperature of 17.01ᵒC, surpassing the previous record set in August 2016. Heatwaves have swept across the globe, leaving a scorching trail.
(Excerpt from “We Have Now Less than Six Years Left on Climate Clock before Climate Change Becomes Irreversible”, India Times, Bobins Abraham, 26 July 2023)
Extreme Weather Globally
Climate clocks, like the one in New York, have sprouted in various parts of the world. Tokyo, London’s Piccadilly Circus, and Delhi Gate in India all bear witness to these ticking reminders. Unfortunately, many of these places have experienced extreme weather events in recent weeks and months. Flash floods in Japan, wildfires in Europe, and oppressive heat waves in the United States are just a few examples.
Climate experts attribute these extreme weather patterns to global warming, warning that such events will become more frequent and severe, with dire consequences for populations.
(Excerpt from “The World Now Has Less than Six Years to Prevent Irreversible Effects of Climate Change”, Channel News Asia, Sally Patterson and Fabian Koh, 26 July 2023)
Stop Global Warming
A crucial point to remember is that climate change is not the sole responsibility of governments or organizations. Every individual, as a consumer of energy and materials, directly and indirectly contributes to CO2 emissions and climate change. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to take meaningful action to combat this global crisis.
(Excerpt from “We Have Now Less than Six Years Left on Climate Clock before Climate Change Becomes Irreversible”, India Times, Bobins Abraham, 26 July 2023)
The clock is ticking, and the time for action is now. Together, we can make a difference and safeguard our planet for future generations.
