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The crucial COP26 climate change summit begins in over a week in Glasgow as world leaders wrap their minds on the complex process to find ways and save the planet. UN chief has already warned that the summit risks being a failure while some countries are lobbying to change a climate change report.
US intelligence agencies have singled out 11 countries including Pakistan as being “highly vulnerable” in their capability to prepare and respond to the climate change crisis. It predicted that global warming could increase geopolitical tensions till 2040. An earlier report by the UN IPCC states that Pakistan will run out of water by 2050. It warns the melting of glaciers should be a wake-up for the Pakistani state.
There are disparities around global approaches to tackling climate change as countries relying on fossil fuel exports, such as Saudi Arabia and Australia, to support their economies will resist the transition to zero carbon due to the economic, political, and geopolitical repercussions. Saudi Arabia had committed to net-zero carbons by 2060 while Australia has been pushing the date away from 2040.
Many countries are also resisting the move toward greener technologies. It has been revealed that some countries are attempting to influence the United Nations to play down the need to move away from fossil fuels. They have also been attempts to influence scientists compiling a report on using scientific evidence to tackle climate change.
Despite the overwhelming evidence, many countries and organizations are arguing that the world does not need to reduce the use of fossil fuels. China and Australia are refusing to end using coal-fired plants, while even India is adamant on using coal for energy production in the coming decades. This has diminished hopes of any major breakthrough at the climate summit.
The risk of climate change is known for decades, yet countries are reluctant on taking action due to economic interests. There is no denying that human activities have warmed the planet and climate change is now widespread, rapid and intensifying. It has been fueling extreme weather such as floods, droughts and health waves, and causing loss of species, rising sea levels and melting of ice sheets.
Developed countries should demonstrate their political commitment to slow down climate change. It should help vulnerable countries prepare for the crisis as we collectively face an existential threat. We need to build ambitious targets within the next decade before it’s too late to save the planet.
