Filenews 5 September 2021
By Dimitris K. Konstantinidis, Dr of Economic Geology
Bill Gates, the ruler of computer software, who in 1975 founded Microsoft, together with Paul Allen, is one of the most sensitive individuals to the subject of climate change. In recent years, the billionaire entrepreneur has collaborated with experts in natural sciences, engineering and political economy in order to identify the causes and especially the ways to save the planet from the environmental crisis. In his latest book – titled "How to Avoid a Climate Disaster" – he explores the technologies that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the ways that together we can contribute to addressing the biggest problem of planet Earth by adopting responsible behaviour. It also indicates in which areas it is necessary to intervene urgently.
On the other hand, the new global superpower in the field of technology and economy, China, is looking at ways to drastically reduce CO2 and other gases that contribute to global warming, using huge solar panels that will be placed in orbit around the Earth.
If we add to this the latest Report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate (IPCC), the EU initiatives, the political approach of the new US President Joe Biden and the important measures that the COP-26 World Conference is expected to adopt (Glasgow, 31/10 to 12/11), a justified optimism is beginning to be created that humanity is in a position to reverse the total destruction of the earth's ecosystem.
The individual responsibility of the citizen
It is obvious that the decisive responsibilities and initiatives lie in the hands of the 'Greats', namely the G7 and the G20. That is, those who have the technological, political and economic means to reverse the path to collapse. However, individual responsibility can also make a substantial contribution to the overall effort.
According to Bill Gates, individual responsibility can be divided into that of the citizen and that of the consumer. The responsibility of the citizen can manifest itself in many ways. In principle, policymakers, i.e. countries' elected officials, will only adopt concrete climate change plans if their voters demand it decisively. Thanks to activists around the world, millions of people are asking politicians to act. What we need to do is to turn these calls for action into pressure that pushes politicians to make the decisions that are necessary to deliver on their promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contain global warming.
Here I must underline the relative apathy with which we deal with the problem both by those in power and by the majority of the citizens of Cyprus. A country that is already suffering the consequences of the climate crisis. We may talk daily about the "missile", the fires, the floods, the drought and other natural disasters that affect the island, but our "political" actions [i.e. our reaction as citizens of the "Church of the Municipality" - to remember the democratic assembly in Ancient Athens] through our vote or our actions, are lukewarm to non-existent.
As active citizens we can participate in the formulation of the necessary policy: let us denounce in every way, e.g. by participating in the meetings of the Municipal Councils the "wrongs". At state level, let us finally press the Government and EAC officials for green electricity. Let us push for an end to the use of fossil fuels, including natural gas, and let us insist on the production of electricity from renewable sources, which nature has richly given Cyprus.
The individual responsibility of the consumer
We can as consumers influence the second part of the supply and demand equation that governs the market. It is enough to focus on changes that make sense. Here are a few examples.
-Let's reduce the emissions of pollutants in our home: We can replace lamps with LEDs, install a smart thermostat, insulate your windows, buy efficient devices or install solar panels for power generation. If we are building a new house or renovating the old one, we can choose recycled steel and make our house more efficient using insulating panels, insulating concrete forms, reflective insulation, etc.
- Buy an electric vehicle or bicycle: Electric vehicles are becoming more and more affordable for many consumers. Moreover, in twenty years they are predicted to prevail in the market. Let alone in Cyprus, where "after Kostis bought, I will stay with the petrol engine?"!
- We are turning more towards plant products: Although Cypriot society could not live without the "spit", however, a small restriction of the meat or dairy products we consume every week could overall reduce the emissions for which we are responsible and improve our eating habits and health. For those who do not know, livestock production methods are considered one of the main factors causing environmental damage, including climate change and biodiversity loss.
- Encycling: In the context of the circular economy, we recycle as much waste as possible, such as plastics, electronic devices, aluminium products, paper and metals.
The COP-26 World Conference
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, commenting on the findings of the IPCC Report, stressed that: "If we join forces now, we can prevent climate catastrophe. But, as the current report makes clear, there is no time for delay and no room for excuses. I hope that government leaders and all stakeholders will ensure a successful outcome of COP-26."
For his part, the British Minister for Climate and President of COP-26, Alok Sharma, says he wants the Conference to reach agreement on a number of key objectives, such as the final date for the use of coal, the commitment to zero emissions of all cars within the next 14 to 19 years, an end to deforestation by the end of this decade and greater reductions in methane emissions. But his main message is that "the goal of warming by 1.50C must be kept alive."
As is well known, with the Paris Agreement since 2015, more than 190 countries signed up to limit the rise in global temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius, but preferably to 1.5 degrees, a point beyond which scientists believe that the world will experience intense and more frequent extreme climatic events. The latest fires and floods around the world confirm this. The images from Northern Evia are shocking
But the meeting of G7 leaders in June and G20 ministers in July left several world players disappointed about what can be achieved in November. They cite the fact that some countries have questioned the timing of the phasing out of coal and the commitment to keep the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. At a press conference on Monday, August 16, Minister Sharma denied that the 1.50C limit was divisive and pointed out that in the Communiqué finally agreed by the G20 ministers, all countries said they would "continue efforts" to limit the temperature increase to only 1.50C above pre-industrial levels.
On the other hand, China's climate negotiator Xie Zhenhua accused some countries of trying to shift the 1.50C target (agreed by countries in the Paris Agreement) to 2 degrees. And while all this is happening at the diplomatic level, there is also good news. China has announced plans to send solar panels into space that will supply the entire planet with energy.
The collection of energy from the sun and its mission to Earth using huge infrastructure orbiting the Earth was considered – until recently – science fiction, but according to the Chinese government's Plan, this country will place a 1 megawatt solar station in space by 2030. And by 2049, when the People's Republic of China will celebrate its 100th anniversary, the total power of the plant or units will increase to 1 gigawatt, the equivalent of today's largest nuclear reactor.
The closing of an article usually briefly includes the author's thoughts on the topics he raised in the previous paragraphs or sections. I will not follow the rule, except for the observation that the above news indicates that there is a will to act.
Instead of an epilogue, I will add the words of the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in an interview with Phileleftheros on 22 August 2021: "Undoubtedly, Cyprus has huge potential in renewable energy sources (RES). For Cyprus this means cheaper, but also more environmentally friendly energy. Imports of fossil fuels will also be reduced, which will be significantly profitable... You can pioneer by strengthening your efforts, accelerating the development of RES and setting higher goals. For now, the Cypriot energy plan aims at a share of 23% of RES by 2030. But the potential for solar photovoltaics and wind turbines leaves room for greater ambitions. We are confident that Cyprus can increase its share of renewables by at least 33% by 2030, at the same level as the EU average."
