Welcome to EarthOne — Your New Go-To Spot for Planet‑Saving News!
Hey Earth lovers! AsiaOne has rolled out a fresh section called EarthOne, all about the planet we adore and the science that keeps it thriving. Check out the latest stories here, from climate breakthroughs to green tech hacks.
Why COP26 Matters – A Quick Take
Glasgow, Scotland, is gearing up to host the COP climate summit next month. The Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) has carved out six must‑do actions that we need to nail before the decade is over. If we hit these targets, the planet gets a 50 % chance of staying stuck below 1.5 °C and a 90 % chance of staying under 2 °C.
- Cut those carbon numbers – it’s all about slashing emissions fast.
- Beat methane – 40 % of warming comes from methane, not just CO₂.
- Stop deforestation – 3.6 Gt of CO₂ could be saved if we halt tree loss.
- Phase out coal – no new coal plants, and scrap some of the current pipeline capacity.
- Ban light‑truck sales – drive cars to electric by 2035.
- Boost energy efficiency – for industry, transport, and homes.
The 2015 Promise
Back in 2015, the world agreed to cap the global temperature rise below 2 °C and aim for 1.5 °C – a threshold that keeps the worst climate catastrophes at bay. Domestic governments, corporate giants, and financial powerhouses are now expected to march on this path.
What’s the Clock Saying?
- Scientists warned last month that without urgent decarbonisation, we could breach the 1.5 °C mark in just 20 years.
- The ETC believes these action steps are either cost‑neutral or affordable for wealthy, developed nations. If poorer countries need help, the richer ones should step in.
- To hit the methane goal, we’ll need a reduction of 150 million tonnes per year by 2030.
What COP26 Can Do
If we use the summit as a launchpad, the world could:
- Eliminate 3.6 Gt of CO₂ from deforestation shutdown.
- Push away the 300 GW of new coal capacity on the brink of construction.
- Drive 20 % of road‑cars into electric by 2030, cutting about 2 Gt of CO₂.
- Decarbonise heavy industry, freight, and buildings faster, tightening overall efficiency.
Bottom Line
The butterfly effect of COP26 could be huge. It’s not just about lofty pledges, but real, actionable change that our planet desperately needs—and that time is ticking. Let’s keep the conversation buzzing, so Earth stays vibrant, and you keep feeling that green pride.
Stay tuned to EarthOne for laughs, facts, and the latest scoop on how we’re turning science into action.
