With an alarming rise in temperature patterns, climate change has acquired the reigns of development. However, the conduction and results of this development run beyond traditional patterns.
Rising risks
The concept of development has often contradicted itself. While the word may imply progress, it fails to translate this definition into today’s world. While new skyscrapers and industries keep the atmosphere occupied, the result of this distraction can be tremendous. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), air surface temperature measured over global area since 1980 has risen by a considerable 1.7 degrees Celsius in 2020.
Climate change carries a lot of risks. Ranging from physical to social aspects, climate issues can add fire to existing problems or can create new ones. Nature hosts ecosystems, crucial, to the survival of mankind. With a rise in extended disasters, climate change has the ability to strike where it stings the most. Therefore, the world necessitates the presence of a unified effort to combat these concerning matters.
Geopolitics and its aversive role
Geopolitics refers to the study of an interplay of sectors, these include geography, power and international relations. Due to the growing presence of climate change, geopolitics has become deeply intertwined with the climate crisis. Whether it is the majority over mineral resources or competition over necessities like oil, governments have continued to have their fair share of disputes.
Possible implications and their answers
As climate change becomes rampant in its progress, the consequences, and possible implications of this shift demand consideration. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events are reducing habitable areas in the world. This contradicts the current rates of population growth, opening avenues of dispute. People will start to fight over resources and land as ecosystems continue to disappear.
Climate change will also increase migration. This can cause excessive strain on the emigrant nations’ resources, leading to alleviated disturbance. While the effects of climate change are expansive, sustainable sources of energy can be used to combat its growth. The usage and plantation of sustainable sources like solar panels can generate economic and employment opportunities. These opportunities can help reshape power dynamics by providing upliftment opportunities to the poverty-stricken population.
To curb climate change, unified efforts have started to emerge. Global treaties like the UN Paris Agreement of 2018 demonstrate the need for collaborative efforts. Diplomatic relations and negotiations can help prevent further losses. Countries that face economic struggle should be aided by international banks and richer nations. These efforts can project solidarity and even influence negligent nations to take a step forward.
A present privilege
While the climate crisis continues to achieve new feats, it is important to recall the steps that got the world into this place. Climate change may have gotten worse over time however, the world still holds a position of privilege. There is privilege in the fact that climate forecasts haven’t transitioned into question marks. With the presence of predictability still in our hands, climate stabilization can be acquired contingent on global collaboration.