Photo/Illutration Solar panels for generating power are seen on the roofs of residential homes in Shizuoka Prefecture. (Asahi Shimbun file photo) 

There remain many things that the government, businesses and consumers can do to reduce damage from climate change.

According to the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), greenhouse gas emissions must be lowered before 2025 if the rise in the average global temperature since before the Industrial Revolution is to be kept at 1.5 degrees.

The IPCC's Working Group III compiled this assessment report on greenhouse gas reduction in preparation for the publication of its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) this autumn after an eight-year hiatus.

Last summer, Working Group I concluded "beyond a doubt" that global warming was caused by humans. This was followed in February by Working Group II's warning that the planet is nearing the limits of its adaptability to global warming.

The average global temperature has already risen by 1.1 degrees since prior to the Industrial Revolution, and will reach 3.2 degrees by the end of this century if greenhouse gas emissions remain at the current level.

But the Paris Agreement of 2015 aims to keep the increase well below 2 degrees, preferably at 1.5 degrees.

According to the latest IPCC report, our planet as a whole will still remain way behind the Paris Agreement target, even if every nation attains its current reduction target.

The report pointed out the urgency of curbing fossil fuel consumption, pursuing energy efficiency and switching to alternative energy sources. It also stressed the need of addressing infrastructure issues related to coal-fired power plants and buildings intended for long-term use.

One point worth noting is that the report focused, more than any previous reports did, on the possibility of energy being saved by the efforts of users of electricity, including consumers at large.

Studies have confirmed that technological renovations, as well as steps taken by people at home to conserve energy, can lessen energy consumption.

As specific examples of socio-cultural changes, the report cites switching from gasoline-powered cars to electric vehicles, commuting on public transportation or bicycles, teleworking, using durable and repairable products and avoiding food waste and excessive consumption.

There is no one perfect solution for curbing greenhouse gas emissions. It takes all sorts of repeated efforts to get close to the target.

Life amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful, but it has also brought lifestyle changes beneficial to the environment, showing the possibility of a further shift. 

We hope the central and local governments will promote such lifestyle changes and also expand subsidies and other policies to aid homeowners switching to solar power or upgrading their home insulation.

And continued encouragement is also needed to keep Japan in the game in the global competition to develop carbon-free technologies.

Measures such as carbon pricing, which charge fees to carbon dioxide emitters, have already proved effective in curbing emissions. Japan, too, needs to set up its own system without delay.

At present, economic sanctions imposed by various nations on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine are seriously impacting the pricing and distribution of energy as well as initiatives to combat climate change.

The stable and economical supply of energy is of vital importance, but we must also remember how seriously people's safety and their daily lives are being affected by global warming.

The current situation is anything but easy. But if we don't want to saddle the next generation with a heavy burden, we cannot afford to take a break from discussing ways to fight the climate crisis.

--The Asahi Shimbun, April 6

Related News