Extreme Weather Events- What’s Next?

Extreme Weather Events

By Shannon Mora

“Thousands forced to evacuate as California fires blase across the state”. “100,000 evacuated as waters reach giant Chinese Buddha statue”. “Two dead and hundreds of thousands without power after wind storm battles the Midwest.” “New South Wales, Australia weather: Flooding eases on south coast but many residents yet to return home”. These are just a few of The Guardian headlines to cover the damage of global natural disasters in the last week. Climbing surface temperatures due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions have led to worsening storms and intensified droughts. With emissions expected to return to normal and likely surpass previous levels with the current lift of quarantine regulations, strict action will be necessary to combat these effects.

IPCC Reports Energy as the Solution

In our most recent blog posting, the team has covered the link between the mass coronavirus quarantine policies and the reported reductions in emission levels as well as cautioned against the threat of reversing these changes once the quarantine is lifted. As the states begin to roll-out their individual reopening plans, there has already been a measurable increase in emissions. Following the 2008 crisis, we saw the greatest spike of emissions in history. This evidence is concerning for what we may expect as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported renewable energy as the “heart of the solution to climate change”, as energy accounts for two-thirds of the global greenhouse gasses emitted into the atmosphere. The article identifies reaching net-zero within the next few decades as the only way to definitively prevent a dangerous rise in temperature, which contributes to the natural disasters we are suffering from more and more frequently. While the technology exists to make low-carbon electricity the main source for heating buildings and powering vehicles, the results of the pandemic have threatened investments for research and development efforts.

“According to recent analysis by the International Energy Agency (IEA), together with the International Monetary Fund, a combination of policy actions and targeted investments over the next three years could bring about a sustainable recovery, boosting global economic growth, creating millions of jobs and making 2019 the definitive peak in global emissions.”

How Can Individuals Support Renewable Energy?

Access to renewable energy may not be a realistic option for you. However, you can help to support international projects around the world which rely on renewable energy for their local communities. Carbon Credit Capital is partnered with the EKI Wind Power Project located in Maharashtra, India. This Verified Carbon Standard certified project reduces 187,744 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year through their wind power facility which connects to the state grid of Maharashtra.

Each tonne of greenhouse gases this project reduces creates one carbon credit that any individual may purchase to continue to support the project’s operation. On average, the purchase of one credit is the equivalent to eliminating one month of your personal contribution to emissions. This takes into account the emissions you produce in all of your everyday activities such as cooking, driving, laundry, and shopping. That’s only $12 a month to do your part!