May 25, 2023, Sunday; 12 noon - 1 pm

• Global temperatures are likely to surge to record levels in the next five year (2023-2027).
• The annual mean global near-surface temperature for each year between 2023 and 2027 is predicted to be between 1.1°C and 1.8°C higher than the 1850-1900 (pre industrial) average.
• This will happen by the heat trapping of greenhouse gases and also naturally occurring phenomena like the El Nino event.
• El Nino describes the unusual warming of the surface water in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, while La Nina describes the cooling of surface ocean water along the tropical west coast of South America.
• While the exceeding of temperature of 1.5oC (as specified in the Paris Agreement) may not be permanent, the temperature will definitely cross 1.5oC now very frequently.
• This will have far reaching repercussions for health, food security, water management, environment.
• The reason is that in 2022, the average global temperature was about 1.15°C above the 1850-1900 average. This was despite a record 3-year La Nina event, which usually brings down the global temperature.
• La Nina temporarily prevented the warming trend. But La Nina ended in 2023. El Nino is expected in the coming months, which will increase the temperature in 2024.
• China, India, Bangladesh and Netherlands are the four countries that are the most affected.
• Emissions are the root cause of temperature rise. More the emission, more the temperature rise.
• Temperature controls the ambient air quality. It helps accumulation of pollutants in the air.
• Other factors responsible for temperature fluctuation are wind speed, rainfall, solar radiation, humidity, temperature.
• Several factors contribute to climate change in Delhi – increase in temperature, solid waste, open burning (at the local level, ward level or at the landfill). Methane is emitted from the decomposed garbage. Another reason for rise in temperature is industrial emission. Construction activities also cause a lot of pollution. There are no guidelines for construction industry.
• Rise in temperature is very harmful for all city-related activities such as water supply, sewage disposal or electricity generation. The major impact is on the health of people of all ages.
• Many of the compliances are laid down by various organizations (such as the pollution control boards, Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the GRIHA rating of buildings, energy rating systems, green rating systems) taking care of energy compliance are still voluntary. Just having guidelines will not work. Their enforcement and compliance is crucial.
• Local temperature can be reduced by planting trees. Every year at least 7-9 trees must be planted by each individual.
• Lifestyle change will save energy e.g., use of energy-efficient bulbs. Small things can make a big difference.
• Although the use of electric vehicles is increasing, but there is a concern of how to source electricity to charge these vehicles. We still use more of coal-based electricity.
• India has a coastline of around 7500km. The rise in sea level due to the rise in temperature is bound to have an effect.
• The surface temperature of Indian Ocean is rising. Hence, the number of cyclones have also increased.
• In 2020, because of the Amphan cyclone, the seawater moved inland for an area of 10-15 km causing salinization of the ground water, which affected agriculture and water security.
• Melting of glaciers cause floods. But there is shortage of water on the hills.
• As the glaciers recede, major rivers like the Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra will shrink. Seawater will enter the delta of these rivers as sea levels are rising.
• Recycling of water has to come into focus. Around 70% of water requirement of Delhi can be met with recycled water.
• This report is just an evidence of what scientists all over the world had cautioned many years ago. But these warnings went unheeded.
• India traditionally is a conservation-based society and not consumption-based society. The solution is to reduce our consumption. Consumerism needs to be curtailed. We have to find a balance between sustainable development and consumptions.
• Environment issues should become the topic of conversation on social media.
• Individuals should be encouraged to use renewable energy and invest in energy-efficient appliances.
• The 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) of circular economy should be linked to climate change.
• Reducing water wasting will reduce global temperatures in the long-term.
• We need to restore and regenerate our lakes.
• Awareness must be created about the rising temperature. All countries must unite and all citizens must cooperate. 
• It is very unfortunate that scientific decisions are ignored. Should decisions be based on scientific opinion or economic-political considerations? This needs to change. The report should be taken seriously by all stakeholders.
• Climate change has not yet become a national issue. A public movement is required.

Participants

• Dr Anil Kumar
• Dr Dipankar Saha
• Dr SK Gupta
• Dr Ravindra Kumar
• Mr Rajeev Sharma
• Mr Pradeep Khandelwal 
• Mr Neeraj Tyagi
• Mr Lovekesh Chandra