Paris Peace forum 2023 will be another opportunity to discuss the unkind rhetorics of a parched earth.
In the last few decades, climate change impact has become a complex subject but it is better simplified when we look at how our environment has changed in the last few decades.
The impact of climate change on the world today is exponential, if let unchecked, the next few years might pit the world, especially urban communities against dangerous dimensions.
While stakeholders mull their decisions to mitigate it, here are some quick tips about our climate change realities.
A Planet in crisis
It is undoubtedly becoming more evident with each passing day, the urgency of addressing this global crisis called climate change.
The latest data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) paints a grim picture – human activities have led to a staggering 50% increase in the atmosphere’s carbon dioxide content in under 200 years. But that’s just the beginning of our climate woes.
The pace of carbon dioxide emissions from human activities is a staggering 250 times faster than the natural sources during the post-Ice Age era.
It’s a sobering reminder of the unprecedented impact we’re having on our planet.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) offers another alarming prediction – many tropical areas could see the number of scorching days when temperatures exceed 35°C skyrocket by over 150 days each year by the end of this century.
The consequences of such extreme heat are far-reaching, affecting not only our environment but also our way of life.
The financial consequences
The financial burden of climate change adaptation is also on the rise. The United Nations estimates that annual costs for climate adaptation in developing countries are currently around $70 billion but could balloon to $300 billion by 2030.
It’s a stark reminder of the economic toll climate change is taking on the most vulnerable nations.
Yet, there is hope in the form of early warning systems. Universal access to such systems can provide benefits up to ten times their initial cost, as highlighted by the United Nations. This investment in preparedness is not only cost-effective but also life-saving.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, Managing Director at the Niger Delta Development Commission in Nigeria, emphasizes the importance of sustainable partnerships in driving development while mitigating climate risks. Collaborations like the one with the Oil Producers Trade Section of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industries show a commitment to addressing climate impacts associated with oil activities.
The discussion at that meet up states:
“Our focus, henceforth, is on sustainability and our sustainability programme is anchored on four pillars, which are climate and sustainable energy, care for the environment, creating shared values for communities and people’s wellbeing.”
Also, amidst these critical issues, the Paris Peace Forum convenes this week with a “call to action.”
It is set to address the pressing concern of melting ice caps and delve into the regulation of artificial intelligence. The forum also includes a humanitarian conference on Gaza, though details remain undisclosed, generating significant media interest.
French President Emmanuel Macron, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, and various African leaders will assess the progress of the “Paris Pact for People and the Planet.”
This initiative aims to provide substantial funding to combat poverty and climate change, setting the stage for COP28 in Dubai.
The forum’s primary focus is on demonstrating that, despite geopolitical tensions, cooperation on major issues remains possible. As one advisor puts it, “the ice continues to melt,” underscoring the relentless march of climate change.
A highlight of this edition is the “One Planet – Polar Summit,” where leaders like President Macron and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre will launch the “Appeal of Paris on the Poles and Glaciers.”
This initiative seeks to address the alarming collapse of ice surfaces on a global scale, with far-reaching consequences for coastal towns and access to clean water. While some nations, like Russia, may be absent due to geopolitical conflicts, the Elysée asserts that this won’t impede cooperation between other nations.
The stakes are high
As our planet faces the dual challenges of climate change and global crises, events like the Paris Peace Forum remind us that the need for collective action is greater than ever.
The stakes are high, and our response to these challenges will shape the future of humanity and our planet.
Written by Fortune Omosola ( Fortunedexcel@gmail.com )
