ISSUE 2 2024
Towards the Green Revolution: Damned if We do and Damned if We don’t
Mohamad Nazrin Abd Malik

As the threats linked to climate change increase, the world is searching increasingly for original and creative ways to adapt to its challenges and lessen its effects. Numerous cutting-edge methods, technologies, strategies and policies have been introduced to meet the pressing need for action. Above all, the development of renewable energy technologies is driving this revolution. For instance, improvements in energy production from biomass, geothermal, and wind power are driving a dramatic shift toward greener, more sustainable energy sources (Olabi and Abdelkareem, 2022). These developments are essential to stopping climate change because they reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Conversely, energy-efficiency measures are another crucial element of climate solutions. Novel technologies are revolutionising energy consumption patterns across multiple domains, such as industrial processes, smart buildings, energy-efficient appliances, and transportation systems. Optimum resource usage and minimising emissions will help reduce our carbon footprint.

Furthermore, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies offer promising alternatives to lower emissions from high-polluting industries/factories (Bui et al., 2018). By capturing carbon dioxide emissions from factories, power plants, and other sources and storing them underground, these technologies could significantly reduce the effects of climate change and curb greenhouse gas emissions. In the agricultural sector, applying Climate-Smart Farming techniques shows that old conventional agriculture practices are evolving. Sustainable agriculture technologies and techniques help minimise greenhouse gas emissions, enhance agricultural productivity, and bolster resilience to the effects of climate change. By preserving soil health and promoting sustainable land management, Climate-Smart Farming holds the key to a more sustainable food system and enhances food security.

Nature-based solutions harness the power of nature to combat climate change. These tactics increase carbon sequestration, fortify ecosystems, and shield local populations from the consequences of climate change. They cover everything from biodiversity conservation and coastal protection to reforestation and wetland restoration. Green Finance and Investment mechanisms are helping to fund climate-friendly projects and initiatives. By focusing funds on renewable energy and sustainable development initiatives, these financial innovations spearhead the transition to a low-carbon economy (Dikau & Volz, 2018).

Circular Economy practices are revolutionising how resources are managed and how people consume. Strategies based on the circular economy minimise resource consumption across industries, promote recycling and reuse, cut waste and lower emissions while advancing sustainability. The progress made in climate information and technologies enables climate action. These technologies offer crucial insights to assist with forecasting risk assessment, climate modelling and monitoring, among other aspects of adaptation planning and decision-making. Because of Sustainable Transportation options, mobility systems are shifting in favour of low-carbon alternatives. From the transportation sector aspects, the development of low-carbon fuels, the electrification of cars, and the promotion of public transportation are the imperative strategies for reducing emissions. Aggressive climate action is propelled by governance and Policy innovations at all levels. Governments encourage emission reductions, sustainable development and climate resilience by enacting strict climate laws, regulations and international accords. Through innovation in climate actions, mitigation of the climate crisis and establishment of a more equitable and sustainable future could be successfully achieved as it increases the planet's resilience to climate change effects and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. We must accept these advancements to guarantee that current and future generations can live on a habitable Earth.




References

Bui, M., Adjiman, C.S., Bardow, A., Anthony, E.J., Boston, A., Brown, S., Fennell, P.S., Fuss, S., Galindo, A., Hackett, L.A. and Hallett, J.P., 2018. Carbon capture and storage (CCS): the way forward. Energy & Environmental Science, 11(5), pp.1062-1176.

Dikau, S. and Volz, U., 2018. Central banking, climate change and green finance.

Olabi, A.G. and Abdelkareem, M.A., 2022. Renewable energy and climate change. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 158, p.112111.