A ‘bomb cyclone’ in California, wildfires across Canada and Maui and heatwaves scorching half of Australia.
Last year’s extreme weather events were something out of the ordinary, with data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service confirming that 2023 was indeed the Earth’s hottest year on record, by a long shot.
Global temperatures didn't just rise; they went full inferno mode, clocking in at a whopping 1.48°C above the pre-industrial average. That's not just breaking records; it's demolishing them. Surpassing 2016 high by a cool 0.16°C and giving the 1991-2020 average a hot 0.6°C beatdown.
Imagine the Earth's climate as a simmering pot on a stove. It's like turning a low flame into a full-blown blaze. Our planet is not just warming; it's reaching new levels that demand our urgent attention.
We know things need to change, so we had a quick chat with Climate Council Research Director Dr Simon Bradshaw to ask some bigger questions around where we need to go from here.
Considering the record-breaking temperatures in 2023, what immediate steps can governments and policymakers take to address the impacts of climate change?
We need to move far more quickly to tackle the root causes of the climate crisis, and at the same time work harder to adapt to the impacts of climate change that can no longer be avoided.
The faster we move beyond coal, oil and gas and to a fully renewable future, the safer a future we will have. Next steps for Australia are implementing strong fuel efficiency standards so that we have cleaner and more affordable transport options, and updating Australia’s national environment laws so that they halt the reckless approval of new fossil fuel projects.
Owing to past inaction, we are already living with the consequences of a warming planet, and must be able to cope with worsening heatwaves, fires and floods. This means equipping communities and decision makers with information on current and future climate risks, investing more in climate change adaptation and resilience building, and giving communities the resources they need to protect themselves when disasters strike.
And in light of this, what innovative technologies and sustainable practices do you think need to be prioritised to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy?
We need to build a lot more renewable energy capacity, as well as the transmission lines and storage facilities needed for a 100 per cent renewable energy system. Australia really is the lucky country, blessed with extraordinary potential to generate energy from the wind and sun. As well as taking care of our own energy needs, we are in a position to help the wider world move beyond fossil fuels, by building new clean export industries in Australia, like metals refined using renewable energy.
Of course, we have to do this in ways that leave all communities stronger and protect our precious biodiversity and natural environment. This means building the right projects in the right places, in consultation with local communities. It means paying particular attention to those regions that have historically been dependent on the fossil fuel industry.
Besides changing the way we produce energy, we can also greatly improve the efficiency with which we use it—whether in our homes, in how we move around, and in how we build things.
On a smaller scale, what role can businesses and industries play in reducing their carbon footprint?
All businesses and industries have a crucial role to play. It starts with setting targets for emissions reductions that align with the urgent pace of action that the science demands. And it means prioritising genuine emissions reductions, not seeking to ‘offset’ emissions while carrying on business as usual.
Opportunities vary across different industries, with some facing an easier path to zero emissions than others. For example, when it comes to electricity generation, the technology is already available through which to eliminate the use of fossil fuels. For some heavy manufacturing industries, the technologies through which to reduce emissions are more nascent and further development is needed. But everywhere we look the opportunities are growing, and the economics are ever more favourable.
So it’s time for all of us—communities, governments, businesses, industries, to give it everything we’ve got! The urgency of the climate crisis demands no less. We can still build a brighter, safer future for all but that window is closing fast.
And globally then, what kind of initiatives and collaborations are being proposed or implemented to combat rising temperatures, and how do you think countries can work together to ensure a coordinated response to climate change?
Under the Paris Agreement, all countries are committed to limiting warming to well below 2°C, and to continually striving to limit it to 1.5°C. Every five years, countries must come forward with a new and stronger commitment to cutting emissions. The next round is due in 2025. In light of the science and our abundant potential for climate solutions, the Climate Council has said Australia should try and reduce emissions by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035.
At the most recent round of international climate negotiations, all countries agreed that the world must transition away from fossil fuels. Renewable energy is surging globally and the age of fossil fuels is coming to an end. However, we need to dramatically pick up the pace and get global emissions plummeting this decade.
It’s a daunting and overwhelming task but what can we all do to mitigate the effects of global warming in our daily lives?
So much! Every choice we make can be part of the solution—whether it’s how we eat, how we move around, where we get our electricity from, or where we invest our money. The good news is that when it comes to tackling the climate crisis, smart choices can also save us a lot of money, lead to healthier lifestyles, and support our local community.
Renewable energy is the permanent bill buster and the path to affordable and reliable power. Millions of Australians now have solar panels on their rooftops, meaning they are paying less for their electricity. By ditching our old petrol/diesel cars for an electric vehicle, and at the same time making more trips on foot, bike and public transport rather than private car, we can save lots of money on fuel costs and boost our health. By improving the thermal efficiency of our homes through insulation and other measures, we can ensure our they are safer, more comfortable and more affordable. The good news—what works for the planet works for people too!
For those with a bit of money in the bank or their superfund, you can switch to a provider that has ruled out investing in fossil fuels and is instead committed to building a clean energy future. Lastly, we live in a democracy, so when it’s time to vote we can make sure we are voting for candidates who are committed to taking stronger action on climate change.
Read on for why Antarctica matters for the future of our planet.
Image credit: Urban List