Energy Policy Advancement: Climate Change Mitigation and International Environmental Justice

Sustainable development is an influential discourse worldwide, addressing climate change as an urgent spiritual question and social justice issue. It requires a culture of peace, hope, and compassion, and a preparedness to face the problem with an optimistic attitude. Human-caused climate change is projected to impact marine, freshwater, and terrestrial life, with temperatures in Alaska and the Arctic increasing faster than the global average. Poor people are particularly vulnerable to its impacts, and diverse knowledge and approaches to climate change help understand the problem. The global average air temperature has increased by approximately 1.0°C (1.8°F) in the recent past, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are still rising, with damaging effects on the Earth's climate. CO2 is the most abundant GHG, but other GHGs also contribute to human-induced climate change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Sustainable development has gained significant global attention as a pressing concern. Climate change, recognized as an urgent issue, encompasses profound spiritual dimensions related to social justice, sustainable peace, and interreligious solidarity. It demands immediate action and recognition for future strategies. However, the politics of fear must give way to a culture of peace, hope, and compassion. This urgent problem requires an optimistic mindset and a certain degree of preparedness.

Climate change manifests itself in various ways, including the most visible recent weather fluctuations worldwide. These include devastating floods, prolonged droughts, and destructive hurricanes. Human-induced climate change is projected to have far-reaching consequences on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial life. In Alaska and the Arctic, temperatures have risen at a rate more than twice the global average over the past 50 years. Vulnerable communities, particularly those living in poverty, bear the brunt of these impacts and respond rapidly to their effects.

A comprehensive understanding of climate change requires diverse knowledge and approaches. Global average air temperature has increased by approximately 1.0°C (1.8°F) in recent years, according to the Climate Science Special Report. The period from 1901 to 2016 has been the warmest recorded in human history. Despite efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, their levels continue to rise, exerting detrimental effects on the Earth's climate. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary GHG responsible for human-induced climate change, but other gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, also contribute significantly.

Addressing climate change requires a multifaceted approach. It involves reducing GHG emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting sustainable practices, and fostering international cooperation. Individuals, governments, and organizations must work together to mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a more sustainable future. This requires a shift towards a culture of environmental awareness, responsibility, and compassion.

In conclusion, sustainable development and climate change are interconnected issues that demand urgent attention. They pose significant challenges to our planet and its inhabitants. By adopting a culture of peace, hope, and compassion, we can work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change and creating a more sustainable and equitable world for future generations.

Weight: 409g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030849955
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022