CSS 2016 Solved Current Affairs Past Papers | Climate Change and Measures of Paris Conference
The following question of CSS Current Affairs 2016 is solved by Sir Ammar Hashmi, the best Current Affairs Coach, on the guided pattern of Sir Syed Kazim Ali, which he taught to his students, scoring the highest marks in compulsory subjects for years. This solved past paper question is uploaded to help aspirants understand how to crack a topic or question, how to write relevantly, what coherence is, and how to include and connect ideas, opinions, and suggestions to score the maximum.
Question breakdown
This question has two parts. The first part requires an explanation of adverse climatic impacts in different regions of the world. The second part requires measures adopted by the Paris Conference to mitigate these impacts.
Outline
1-Introduction
2-The Climate Change and Paris Conferences
3-Adverse impact of climate change on the world
- ✓ Rise in global temperatures led to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves, floods, and droughts
- ✓ Melting ice caps and glaciers causing sea level rise and threatening coastal communities
- ✓ Increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters, including hurricanes and wildfires
- ✓ Disrupting ecosystems, loss of biodiversity and affecting agriculture and food security
4-Strategies established by the Paris Conference to tackle Climate Emergency
- ✓ Establishment of the “Loss and Damage” fund to support vulnerable countries suffering from climate impacts
- ✓ Phasing down coal use and reducing reliance on fossil fuels
- ✓ Commitments to cut methane emissions to 30% by 2030
- ✓ Enhanced focus on adaptation finance to build resilient nations against climate impacts
- ✓ Accelerating renewable energy projects and shifting to clean energy sources
5-Critical Analysis
6-Conclusion
Answer to the question
Introduction
Climate change has become one of the most serious global challenges. The effects are visible with increased severity of extreme weather, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. Also, melting polar regions and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and low-lying nations. It also challenges agriculture businesses such as food and water scarcity and the threat of plant diseases. To tackle these challenges, The Paris Agreement was adopted during the Paris Conference (COP21) in 2015, which marks a landmark international treaty. It has laid a framework for a collective global response to the climate crisis. However, as leaders, scientists, and communities work together, there is a possibility and hope to create a sustainable future where the impacts of climate change are mitigated, human populations are strengthened, and ecosystems are made resilient. Every individual has a role, from policy changes to adopting sustainable practices in daily life. This urgency calls for a collective approach, blending science, policy, and grassroots activism.
The Climate Change and Paris Conferences
Global climate change refers to shifts in temperatures and weather patterns caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels like coal, gas and oil. These activities release carbon dioxide and methane (greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere, which traps heat and causes global warming, I.e. temperature rise. Human activities, volcanic eruptions, and variations in solar radiation contribute. However, the rapid shifts seen in recent decades are all driven by human actions. This climate change has become one of the most serious global challenges. The effects are visible with increased severity of extreme weather, such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. Also, melting polar regions and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal communities and low-lying nations. It also challenges agriculture businesses such as food and water scarcity and the threat of plant diseases. To tackle these challenges, The Paris Agreement was adopted during the Paris Conference (COP21) in 2015, which marks a landmark international treaty. Its goal is to limit global warming by restricting global temperatures and increasing it to 1.5 degrees. All the countries are required to submit their action plans against climate challenges, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), and to update them regularly with more ambitious targets. COP meetings, such as COP26 in Glasgow, COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, and COP28 in the UAE, continued to push for improved commitments, increased climate finance, and support for underdeveloped nations to address mitigation and adaptation challenges. They underscore the global commitment to counter climate change through cooperation and urgent measures.
Adverse impact of climate change on the world
- ✓ Rise in global temperatures led to extreme weather conditions like heatwaves, floods, and droughts:
The year 2024 has witnessed a rise in average temperatures in summers worldwide. Temperatures have one of the most adverse impacts of climate change caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels and other harmful gases that have caused the Earth’s average temperature to rise by 1.1 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. Over the last decade, heatwaves have become more intense and common due to the rise in temperatures. For example, the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada experienced a record-breaking heatwave in 2021, with temperatures soaring to approximately 50 degrees Celsius, causing many deaths. Likewise, devastating floods of 2022 in Pakistan submerged one-third of the country and harmed 33 million people and billion-dollar infrastructure. Moreover, the UN also reported that because of the frequency and intensity of extreme temperatures, droughts have increased by 29% since 2000. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports that with every one-degree Celsius increase in temperature, the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events will only escalate, posing grave threats to human life, ecosystems, and economies worldwide. These examples illustrate the urgent need for global action to mitigate rising temperatures and adapt to the rapidly changing climate landscape.
- ✓ Melting ice caps and glaciers causing sea level rise and threatening coastal communities:
Climate change has raised global temperatures, and the polar regions, especially the Arctic, are warming at an alarming rate, leading to accelerated melting of sea ice and glaciers. This melting directly contributes to rising sea levels, increasing by 3 millimeters annually. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted that global sea levels could rise by 1-2 meters by 2100 if this melting continues. It is primarily caused by two processes: freshwater addition from melting glaciers and the thermal expansion and ice sheets of seawater as it warms. The implications of rising sea levels can be seen in cities like Miami, New Orleans, and Jakarta, which are already experiencing frequent flooding and higher risks of storm surges. Recently, a UN report highlighted that over 800 million people near coastal areas are vulnerable to sea-level rise, with significant portions of urban populations on the rise. Moreover, the World Bank says that the economic cost of sea-level rise-inflicted damages could reach trillions of dollars by the end of the century if substantial action is not taken.
- ✓ Increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters, including hurricanes and wildfires:
With high annual temperatures, the atmosphere now holds more moisture, leading to more severe storms and heavy rainfall. These extreme conditions can foster and increase the likelihood of hurricanes, floods, wildfires and drought. For example, hurricanes that are a prime example of climate change amplified in 2005 (named Katrina) devastated New Orleans. Likewise, in 2020, cyclone Amphan struck the South Asian region, especially India and Bangladesh. It was one of the strongest storms recorded in the Bay of Bengal. It destroyed homes, displaced millions and caused agricultural damage, which highlighted the vulnerabilities of coastal communities in the region. Similarly, wildfires have also surged in frequency because of climate change. According to Cal Fire, over 4 million acres were burned, displacing thousands and causing significant air quality issues.
India and Indonesia also experienced severe wildfires. The state of Uttarakhand in India experienced forest fires in 2021, and Indonesia faces them regularly, particularly during the dry season. These fires contribute to air pollution, affecting public health and biodiversity. The World Meteorological Organization reports that climate change has increased by one-third since the late twentieth century.
- ✓ Disrupting ecosystems, loss of biodiversity and affecting agriculture and food security:
The loss of biodiversity affects animals and plants and disrupts the ecosystems they inhabit, which can have cascading effects on human communities. Climate fluctuation conditions habitats, forcing species to migrate to cooler areas or higher altitudes per their body requirements. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that about 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost in the past decades. This decline jeopardizes marine biodiversity and millions of people who rely on them for food and income. The IUCN Red List reported that one in four mammals is at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction and poaching due to climate change. For example, these factors contribute to habitat loss for species such as elephants and rhinoceroses in Africa. Similarly, changing climate conditions can decrease crop yields, especially in agricultural-dependent areas like South Asia. United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that this will push about 100 million people into extreme poverty by 2030.
Strategies established by the Paris Conference to tackle Climate Emergency
- ✓ Establishment of the “Loss and Damage” fund to support vulnerable countries suffering from climate impacts:
This fund was designed in the COP27 meeting to provide financial assistance to countries most affected by climate-related disasters, as developing countries often lack the resources to handle the impacts of climate change disasters despite being the least contributors to the problem. The conference was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt; the approved fund aims to provide monetary support for recovery, increase resilience, and finance adaptation measures in climate-vulnerable regions to climate change, such as small island developing states and low-lying coastal nations. A practical impact of this fund is seen in countries like Pakistan, home to catastrophic flooding; in 2022, these floods affected millions of people, causing structural and economic losses exceeding $30 billion. Shehbaz Sharif (Pakistan’s current PM) stated,
“We are facing climate-induced disasters, and we need urgent support from the global community to recover and rebuild.”
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon emphasized global cooperation on climate disasters and stated,
“Climate change is the defining issue of our time, and we are at a defining moment. We face a direct existential threat.”
So, this Loss and Damage Fund represents a collective recognition of the need to address this threat by supporting those who need it most.
- ✓ Phasing down coal use and reduction in reliance on fossil fuels:
Coal is one of the most commonly used and carbon-intensive energy sources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing its use is essential for limiting global warming. According to the International Energy Agency, coal-fired power generation accounted for about 37% of global electricity generation in 2020, underscoring the need for alternate and cleaner energy sources.
During the Glasgow Paris Conference in 2021, Glasgow member countries committed to cutting down unabated coal power and decreasing fossil fuel subsidies. This commitment came in response to the alarming scientific consensus and is critical to avoid catastrophic climate impacts. A country seriously working to phase down coal is the United Kingdom, which has already reduced its coal use by 75% between 2012 and 2020 by relying more on renewable energy sources like solar and wind. The World Bank concluded that shifting to renewable energy sources could create more than 24 million jobs by 2030, demonstrating that these controls will address climate change and present economic opportunities. Environmental activist Greta Thunberg also emphasized this transition, stating,
“We can’t save the world by playing by the rules because the rules have to be changed.”
- ✓ Commitments to cut methane emissions to 30% by 2030:
Methane is a greenhouse gas with the potential to warm the earth twenty-five times greater than carbon dioxide. It is responsible for 25% of global warming, making its reduction essential for achieving climate goals. At the COP26 annual conference, more than 100 countries joined the Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions. The IPCC reported that cutting methane emissions would be one of the most effective remedial strategies to mitigate global warming in future, primarily as the world aims to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The oil and gas sector and agricultural practices contribute significantly to methane emissions. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, this could reduce methane emissions by better monitoring and repair practices that substantially curb methane leaks. As U.S. President Joe Biden said,
“We have a responsibility to tackle the climate crisis and build a better future for our children.”
The collective effort to cut methane emissions demonstrates the need for collaboration and innovation in controlling one of our time’s most critical environmental challenges.
- ✓ Enhanced focus on adaptation finance to build resilient nations against climate impacts :
The adverse climatic impacts threaten livelihoods, food security, and socio-economic stability, particularly in underdeveloped countries that often lack the resources to respond effectively. During the Glasgow meeting, states recognized the urgent need to enhance adaptation finance to support vulnerable nations. Later, the United Nations estimated this adaptation could require $140 billion -$300 billion annually to combat adverse climatic impacts. It is crucial to take measures that increase resilience, I.e. climate-resilient infrastructure, improved water management systems, and sustainable agricultural practices. For example, in South Asia, Bangladesh proactively utilized adaptation finance to construct flood defences and early warning systems that have visibly reduced the impacts of natural disasters. Moreover, apart from funding, adaptation finance also focuses on the importance of capacity building, which involves technical assistance and required knowledge to help countries effectively utilize finances for adaptation projects. It also addresses the intersection of social justice and climate change. Vulnerable communities often bear adverse climate impacts despite contributing least to the problem. Thus, ensuring equitable access to adaptation resources is essential for fostering resilience and promoting social equity.
- ✓ Accelerating renewable energy projects and shifting to clean energy sources :
The 21st century has grappled the world with the urgent need to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases; moving away from fossil fuels and investing in renewable energy projects has become a top priority for governments, communities and businesses alike. As per the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), if appropriately scaled up, it could provide more than 80% of global electricity by 2050. it could address climate change and improve energy security and job opportunities. For instance, the solar and wind industries are witnessing substantial growth in this renewable energy sector. It has already employed approximately 12 million people in 2020. The UK, showing the most progress in controlling climate disasters, has announced its plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aiming to generate at least 60% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Likewise, Denmark has also demonstrated successful implementations and has become a leader in wind energy, generating 42% of its electricity from wind turbines in 2020. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized this transition to clean energy; he stated,
“We are at a turning point in human history. The climate emergency is a race we can win, but only if we push for a green and inclusive recovery.”
Critical Analysis
The severity of the aforementioned climatic impacts demands immediate action and a paradigm shift in how we approach environmental issues. It is alarming to see how climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, especially in vulnerable regions that lack the resources to adapt. Undeveloped nations are on the front lines to bear climate impacts such as droughts, flooding, and food insecurity despite contributing less to global emissions. But these challenges are not insurmountable. The Paris Conference has laid a recovery framework for action that requires genuine commitment and innovative, practical steps from all sectors of society. Every individual has a role, from policy changes to adopting sustainable practices in daily life. This urgency calls for a collective approach, blending science, policy, and grassroots activism.
Conclusion
Rising temperatures lead to extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts. They disrupt ecosystems and threaten food security. The melting of glaciers and ice caps causes rising sea levels that adversely impact coastal communities worldwide, and the increased frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires and hurricanes further worsen these challenges. It also contributes to the loss of biodiversity, which damages ecosystems and agricultural production, making it imperative for nations to take immediate action. The Paris Conference has laid a framework for a collective global response to the climate crisis. However, as leaders, scientists, and communities work together, there is a possibility and hope to create a sustainable future where the impacts of climate change are mitigated, human populations are strengthened, and ecosystems are made resilient.
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