This refers to the article, “Stark reality of future global warming” (December 14) by Kota Sriraj. Breaching the tipping point of two degree Celsius rise in global atmospheric temperature, the earth is not far from seeing a four degree rise as warned by climate scientists, given relentless fossil fuel-based economic growth, which has been responsible for excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases like Co2, whose levels have reached alarming 400 parts per million and counting! The phenomenon of global warming caused by this is melting glaciers; pushing up sea levels which is jeopardising coastal regions; causing oceans to become acidic which is affecting corals and marine creatures, and is also affecting productivity of thermal-sensitive crops, like wheat.
Coal is one of the primary culprit of increased Co2. Moreover, extractable coal reserves in India (as opposed to the non-extractable reserves present in dense forests and constitutionally-protected tribal areas) are dwindling. Coal plants have to switch to thermal-efficient, super-critical technology which reduces Co2 emissions from the current sub-critical technology. Implementing Carbon Capture and Storage technologies is also essential. It is crucial to zealously increase our forest cover and expedite efforts aimed at reducing emission intensity by 35 per cent of the 2005 levels and making renewable energy 40 per cent of the total energy share.