Daily Current Affairs : 9-September-2023
In a recent study published in ‘The Lancet Planetary Health,’ it was revealed that 11 high-income countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have fallen far short of their carbon emission reduction targets for the year 2022. The study emphasized that these nations would collectively emit a staggering 27 times their fair share of the global carbon budget needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. This alarming discrepancy underscores the pressing need for a paradigm shift in their approach to reducing carbon emissions.
The Current Dilemma
Despite their economic prosperity, these high-income countries find themselves in a predicament where their pursuit of continuous economic growth is at odds with their climate and equity commitments under the Paris Agreement. While they continue to flourish economically, their carbon emissions remain dangerously high, posing a significant threat to global climate stability.
The Call for a ‘Post Growth Approach’
To align their actions with the Paris Agreement and achieve substantial reductions in emissions, these nations must embrace a ‘Post Growth Approach.’ This approach focuses on equitably reducing carbon-intensive forms of production and consumption. Here are some key components of this approach:
- Public Job Guarantee: Governments should guarantee employment to citizens, creating opportunities for green jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental conservation.
- Worktime Reduction: Encouraging shorter workweeks can reduce energy consumption and promote a better work-life balance.
- Living Wages: Ensuring that all workers receive wages that allow them to meet their basic needs and maintain a decent standard of living.
- Minimum Income Guarantee: Implementing a safety net that provides a basic income to those in need, reducing poverty and inequality.
- Universal Access to Affordable Housing: Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable, energy-efficient housing to reduce energy consumption.
- Quality Public Services: Investing in public services like public transportation, healthcare, and education to enhance citizens’ well-being.
The Significance of Green Growth
Green growth is pivotal because it offers a sustainable pathway for economic development while safeguarding the environment. Here’s why it matters:
Addressing Environmental Challenges
- Air Pollution: Green growth strategies promote cleaner energy sources, reducing harmful emissions and improving air quality.
- Water Scarcity: Sustainable agriculture practices can help conserve water resources and reduce water wastage.
- Climate Change: Green growth emphasizes renewable energy sources and carbon-neutral technologies, crucial for combating climate change.
Promoting Sustainable Development
- Renewable Energy: Transitioning to green growth encourages the adoption of renewable energy sources, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- Resource Efficiency: Efficient resource management reduces waste and conserves valuable resources.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Sustainable farming practices ensure food security while preserving ecosystems.
Creating Job Opportunities
- The shift towards green growth can lead to the creation of numerous jobs in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental restoration.
Important Points:
Challenges in High-Income Countries
- 11 high-income countries failed to meet their 2022 carbon emission reduction targets.
- These nations would collectively emit 27 times their fair share of the 1.5 degrees Celsius carbon budget.
Contradiction with Paris Agreement Commitments
- Pursuit of continuous economic growth contradicts climate and equity commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- Economic prosperity and high carbon emissions pose a significant threat to global climate stability.
The ‘Post Growth Approach’
- To align with the Paris Agreement, nations should adopt a ‘Post Growth Approach.’
- Key components include public job guarantees, worktime reduction, living wages, minimum income guarantees, universal access to affordable housing, and quality public services.
Significance of Green Growth
- Green growth offers a sustainable pathway for economic development while preserving the environment.
- It addresses challenges like air pollution, water scarcity, and climate change.
- Promotes renewable energy, resource efficiency, and sustainable agriculture.
- Creates job opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture.
Why In News
In a groundbreaking recent study, 11 high-income nations, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, have collectively committed to an ambitious target of slashing their 2022 carbon emissions by a staggering 95%. This unprecedented joint effort marks a significant milestone in the global fight against climate change and sets an inspiring example for other countries to follow suit in addressing the urgent climate crisis.
MCQs about Reimagining Carbon Emission Reduction
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What are some components of the ‘Post Growth Approach’?
A. Expanding fossil fuel use and increasing work hours
B. Implementing a public job guarantee, worktime reduction, and living wages
C. Encouraging longer workweeks and reducing access to public services
D. Prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns
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Why is aligning economic prosperity with environmental sustainability crucial?
A. It maximizes profits for businesses
B. It ensures rapid economic growth
C. It benefits current and future generations by addressing climate change and other environmental challenges
D. It guarantees equal access to resources
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Why is green growth significant?
A. It hinders economic development
B. It exacerbates climate change
C. It promotes sustainable economic development while preserving the environment
D. It increases air pollution
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