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2021 has been marked by environmental calamities, such as heavy floods in South Kalimantan and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and landslides in West Nusa Tenggara. The common denominator between these events is extreme weather, which has been further amplified by climate change.
Source: Mika Baumeister [6]
Under the Paris Agreement, Indonesia has set ambitious targets through its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 29% and 41% with international support by 2030 as well as keeping the global temperature to be well-below 1.5 degree Celsius [1].
However, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the world is heading for a 3-4 degrees Celsius global temperature rise, even if countries meet commitments under the 2015 Paris Agreement [2].
And what will happen if the global temperature rises to 3-4 degrees celsius?
Rising sea levels, islands sinking, droughts, shrinking food and water supply, and not to mention, more viral diseases. In fact, research shows that COVID-19 is the most recent and prominent evidence of how climate change is a major threat to our survival.
If that wasn’t clear enough, then the fact that Jakarta is the world’s fastest sinking city should speak volumes. Can you imagine more frequent and intense floods coming in our way?
So we should be more concerned about climate change and start taking action in protecting our environment and future. And this includes encouraging our government to set up regulations to do so.
As one of the largest emitters in the world, Indonesia must be part of the change.
On 11th February, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) conducted a virtual public discussion, “Time for Decisive Action: Kontribusi Indonesia Dalam Perjuangan Perubahan Iklim Dunia” in addition to launching a petition with the goal of encouraging the government to slash carbon emissions by 50% before 2030 and reach zero emissions by 2050 [3].
Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, the Founder and Chairman of FPCI, said that climate change is a threat that affects every aspect of life; similar to COVID-19, but far more destructive [4].
“COVID-19 can be cured, but climate change will last forever.” – Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Founder and Chairman of FPCI
To maximize its reach, FPCI also collaborated with top Indonesian artists and launched a video titled “Save Golden Centennial Indonesia 2045 from Climate Threat“ [5].
Fulfilling Indonesia’s commitments towards the Paris Agreement is no easy task, but it has to start now because the clock is ticking and lives are at stake, so it’s great to see more people becoming more aware about climate change and why collective effort by every layer of society is necessary.
Saving the world is our responsibility as global citizens. Why not start now?
Visit our forum to ask any questions about climate change!
Source(s):
[4] https://www.beritasatu.com/dunia/755591/fpci-gandeng-krisdayanti-dkk-luncurkan-video-darurat-perubahan-iklim
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