From the Indian Meteorological Department, an extreme heat warning

The IPCC report in 2023 sums up the most recent scientific research on climate change. The current rate of carbon emissions indicates that we only have 10 years left to undo the carbon dioxide emissions of 10 years. Even if the world were to stop emitting carbon dioxide now, the remaining carbon budget would still be breached, leaving our goal of keeping global temperature rise below two degrees by the end of this century beyond reach. Scientists emphasise that countries must take strong measures now, or the situation could be dire with heat waves, droughts, starvation and the spread of infectious diseases. The death toll could be in the millions by the end of the century.

The damage done to humanity cannot be reversed; ecosystems and communities have been mined to a degree that is not normal. Despite increasing evidence of the urgent necessity for action, no timely action is being taken, emissions continue to rise unabated. The consequences of global warming, even when just one degree above pre-industrial temperatures averaged over 151 years, have been more dramatic than anticipated.

A wide range of species is at risk of disappearing, with higher than normal cases of extinction of plants amid an alarming number of coral reef deaths, leading to a hindrance to fishing.

As India confronts rising temperatures, national joint actions for heat mitigation are necessary to ensure the safety of lives and livelihoods amid extreme weather conditions. It is a challenge to commit to carbon neutrality by 2050. But it is necessary for us to move towards alternative energy sources. The window for a high-impact solution is limited, but there is hope.

Expert advice in this context is crucial as our primary objective should be a sustainable and equal future. Though this is for the wellbeing of our future generations, the time to act is now.

The writer is a clinical associate professor (research) at Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business (ISB). He teaches sustainability at ISB and contributes to IPCC reports