BAKU: Natural systems run the risk of becoming uncontrollable, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation at the Exeter University of UK (the largest in the world in the study of climate problems) Stuart Brocklehurst said at the Baku Climate Action Week, Trend reports.
He highlighted the unprecedented rise in average global temperatures over recent decades.
Brocklehurst emphasized that the severe climate changes are largely due to human activity, specifically the increase in CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to an increase in Earth’s temperature.
“There is a natural carbon cycle on Earth, which has been in balance for millions of years. But active life throws more and more CO2 into the atmosphere, and natural carbon sinks, such as oceans and forests, are not able to absorb this CO2. We have disturbed this balance because of fossil fuel burning and land use changes. More worryingly, we now see evidence that many natural carbon sinks have reached saturation, which means t
hat they will stop absorbing CO2, even at a constant level of emissions. These gases can accelerate in the atmosphere,” Brocklehurst noted.
He noted that the University of Exeter is a leading global hub for climate research, home to over 1,500 scientists dedicated to tackling climate and environmental issues, solidifying its position as the largest specialized institution of its kind in the world.
“We already have the highest CO2 concentration in at least 2 million years, and sea levels are rising at the fastest rates in 3000 years. Melting glaciers and other processes have practical and direct consequences for climate change worldwide through floods and forest fires. And human victims. We think that the changes that we will see in the future will be the same as those that we saw in the past,” he said.
He reported that there is a risk of natural systems getting out of control.
“We must act quickly to avoid crossing thresholds beyond our control. Extreme temperatures combined with deadly humidity in densel
y populated areas like West Africa and Bangladesh could force hundreds of millions to migrate, which would be an unprecedented phenomenon in human history,” Brocklehurst added.
He emphasized the growing water scarcity worldwide, noting that alongside climate change, this will reduce food production in key areas, leading to threats of hunger and starvation.
“We know that we have to achieve zero emissions to prevent this. It is crucial that we stay below 1.5 degrees. We have a clear understanding of what needs to be done to reach zero emissions by 2050,” he emphasized.
According to the professor, key transitional industries addressing climate change include electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and renewable energy sources.
“The cost of solar panels for producing a kilowatt of electricity has dropped by an astonishing 99.9 percent. As electric vehicle adoption rises, battery production costs are decreasing. If we fully transition to renewable energy, we will need energy storage solutions and charging s
tations for electric vehicles. Thus, the proliferation of electric cars aids the shift to renewable energy, making energy storage more affordable,” he stated.
According to the professor, climate change poses an enormous challenge throughout history.
“Our generation bears the responsibility and has the opportunity to leave a healthy planet for future generations,” he concluded.
Source: Trend News Agency