Dr. Ashwini Kumar

Professor & Head

Department of Community Medicine

Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

Email: ashwin.kumar@manipal.edu 

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is already affecting our daily lives. Human activities have pushed global temperatures about 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, largely due to greenhouse gas emissions from industries, transport, energy use and other activities. 

Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are among the major greenhouse gases driving this warming. The rise in temperature is changing weather patterns across the world. Heat waves are becoming more frequent and intense. Summers are lasting longer, while heavy and unpredictable rainfall is increasing the risk of floods. Many regions are also facing droughts. Rising sea levels and melting glaciers are adding to the concern. 

In 2015, more than 190 countries committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels under the Paris Agreement. Achieving this goal requires countries to move towards net-zero emissions. This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and balancing the remaining emissions by removing an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

The impact of climate change is not the same everywhere. Even when people face similar exposure, their health risks and vulnerability can differ depending on local conditions. Therefore, climate action must be based on local assessments and needs. 

Industries, investors, urban planners, scientists and engineers have an important role to play. They can redesign processes, improve energy efficiency and adopt cleaner technologies. Research into technologies that remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere should also receive greater attention. 

Protecting nature is equally important. Renewable energy, cleaner fuels and natural climate solutions can help reduce emissions while protecting ecosystems for future generations. Forests, wetlands and other natural systems can play a valuable role in absorbing carbon and strengthening climate resilience. 

However, global action remains inadequate. G20 countries account for nearly 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet many are still not clearly on track to meet their net-zero commitments.

Climate change can not be tackled by one country or sector alone. It requires international cooperation, stronger policies, investment in renewable energy, carbon capture and storage technologies, and financial support for developing countries. Many of the least-developed countries have contributed little to global warming but are facing some of its greatest economic and human costs. A fair climate response must recognise this imbalance while building a safer future for all.