The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recently recorded the highest concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere since the 1950s, with a reading of 415.26 parts per million. This is a worrying sign that we are not doing enough to protect the climate. The last time CO2 levels were this high was around three million years ago during the Pliocene era, when the sea level was 25 meters higher than it is now due to the higher average temperature. While there is debate about what level of CO2 concentration is safe, scientists agree that a level of 350 ppm would help to curb global warming and climate change. However, we are currently not on track to achieve this goal.
According to experts, one of the most important steps we can take to combat rising CO2 emissions is to invest more in renewable energy sources for electricity generation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends doubling investments in renewable energy by 2030 to meet the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. However, in 2018, investments in oil and gas projects increased by 4%, while investments in coal-fired power plants increased by 2%. In contrast, investments in renewable energy decreased by 2%. China made the largest investments in this area, while only 15% of total investments were made in the poorest regions of the world, where 40% of the population lives.
Despite the Paris Climate Agreement, CO2 emissions have continued to rise every year. The average temperature on Earth has increased by one degree since pre-industrial times. The trend is moving in the wrong direction, and urgent action is needed to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and increase investments in renewable energy. The consequences of inaction are dire, and we must act now to protect our planet for future generations.
