2023 is the hottest year on record, but are there reasons to be cheerful?
Dec 23, 2023
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Dr Ella Gilbert, Dr Friederike Otto, and Alastair Campbell join the show to discuss a record-breaking year in climate, challenges of achieving the 1.5 Degree Target, political developments and the impact of bio-election, the political perception of climate change, and advancements in renewables and climate action.
2023 is the hottest year on record, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to prevent global warming from exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set in the Paris Agreement.
Despite political challenges, there is a global boom in renewable energy, with solar energy becoming the cheapest form of energy ever, and hopes for a peak in greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2024.
Deep dives
Climate Science and Record-breaking Year
2023 has been the hottest year on record, with ocean temperatures reaching alarming levels. Extreme wildfires and sea ice lows were observed globally, emphasizing the urgency to prevent global warming from exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set in the Paris Agreement. Climate scientists highlight the need for immediate action and the challenges in meeting the target. The negative impact of climate change on people's lives, livelihoods, homes, and ecosystems is already evident, and even small increments in temperature can make a significant difference. However, there is a disparity between the consensus on climate action among the public and the political landscape.
The Politics of Climate Change
The consensus on climate action in Westminster has shattered, with politicians downplaying the urgency of implementing effective climate policies. Climate change has become caught up in political battles and culture wars, undermining the importance and impact of immediate action. The focus on short-term political gains has overshadowed the long-term benefits of climate action, both in terms of economic growth and social justice. The risk of treating climate change as a secondary or divisive issue is that it hampers meaningful progress in reducing emissions and addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Renewable Energy Boom and Emissions Reduction
Despite the political challenges, there is a global boom in renewable energy, with solar energy becoming the cheapest form of energy ever. Electric vehicle sales are increasing, and there is hope for a peak in greenhouse gas emissions as early as 2024, leading to a decline in emissions. The plummeting cost of renewables is making them economically competitive with fossil fuels. However, the storage of renewable energy remains a challenge. The transition to a renewable energy-based economy requires careful management and political choices to ensure a just and smooth transition, taking into account the economic impacts and vested interests in the fossil fuel industry.
On this special Christmas episode of ClimateCast Tom Heap is joined by climate and energy analyst, Sepi Golzari-Munro.
They’re joined by a panel of special guests look back over a remarkable year in climate science and politics, as well as look ahead to some reasons to be cheerful in the world of climate going into 2024.
Special guests Dr Ella Gilbert, Antarctic climate scientist Dr Friederike Otto, Climatologist specialising in extreme weather Alastair Campbell, Former director of communications, Blair government Ed Conway, Sky’s Economics editor
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