Natural systems run risk of becoming uncontrollable - British professor

BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Natural systems
run the risk of becoming uncontrollable, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for
Business Engagement and Innovation at the Exeter University of UK
(the largest in the world in the study of climate problems) Stuart
Brocklehurst said at the Baku Climate Action Week, Trend
reports.
He highlighted the unprecedented rise in average global
temperatures over recent decades.
Brocklehurst emphasized that the severe climate changes are
largely due to human activity, specifically the increase in CO2 and
other greenhouse gas emissions, which leads to an increase in
Earth’s temperature.
"There is a natural carbon cycle on Earth, which has been in
balance for millions of years. But active life throws more and more
CO2 into the atmosphere, and natural carbon sinks, such as oceans
and forests, are not able to absorb this CO2. We have disturbed
this balance because of fossil fuel burning and land use changes.
More worryingly, we now see evidence that many natural carbon sinks
have reached saturation, which means that they will stop absorbing
CO2, even at a constant level of emissions. These gases can
accelerate in the atmosphere," Brocklehurst noted.
He noted that the University of Exeter is a leading global hub
for climate research, home to over 1,500 scientists dedicated to
tackling climate and environmental issues, solidifying its position
as the largest specialized institution of its kind in the
world.
"We already have the highest CO2 concentration in at least 2
million years, and sea levels are rising at the fastest rates in
3000 years. Melting glaciers and other processes have practical and
direct consequences for climate change worldwide through floods and
forest fires. And human victims. We think that the changes that we
will see in the future will be the same as those that we saw in the
past," he said.
He reported that there is a risk of natural systems getting out
of control.
"We must act quickly to avoid crossing thresholds beyond our
control. Extreme temperatures combined with deadly humidity in
densely populated areas like West Africa and Bangladesh could force
hundreds of millions to migrate, which would be an unprecedented
phenomenon in human history," Brocklehurst added.



He emphasized the growing water scarcity worldwide, noting that
alongside climate change, this will reduce food production in key
areas, leading to threats of hunger and starvation.
"We know that we have to achieve zero emissions to prevent this.
It is crucial that we stay below 1.5 degrees. We have a clear
understanding of what needs to be done to reach zero emissions by
2050," he emphasized.
According to the professor, key transitional industries
addressing climate change include electric vehicles, energy storage
systems, and renewable energy sources.
"The cost of solar panels for producing a kilowatt of
electricity has dropped by an astonishing 99.9 percent. As electric
vehicle adoption rises, battery production costs are decreasing. If
we fully transition to renewable energy, we will need energy
storage solutions and charging stations for electric vehicles.
Thus, the proliferation of electric cars aids the shift to
renewable energy, making energy storage more affordable," he
stated.
According to the professor, climate change poses an enormous
challenge throughout history.
"Our generation bears the responsibility and has the opportunity
to leave a healthy planet for future generations," he
concluded.

• Global Temperatures
• Climate Change
• Natural Systems
• Uncontrollable