The Ticking Clock: Time to Address the Rising Levels of Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide

Sir, The alarming rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels presents not only an environmental crisis but also a severe public health emergency globally. Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations have spiked by 50% since 1980: from about 280 ppm at the start of the Industrial Age, to 370 ppm in 2000, 415 ppm in 2022, and currently stand at approximately 429.6 ppm in 20251,2 Figure 1. These surging levels of CO2 are driving us closer toward climate tipping points, endangering ecosystems, economies, and threatening public health.3Figure 1: Global atmospheric carbon dioxide compared to annual emissions (1751–2022). Since the onset of the Industrial Revolution in 1750, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels (blue line) have steadily climbed in tandem with human-caused emissions (gray line). Emissions increased gradually, reaching around 5 gigatons per year by the mid-20th century, before surging dramatically to over 35 billion tons annually by the century’s end 1 Human activities such as deforestation, land-use, and burning of fossil fuels have immensely contributed to the surge.4 Carbon emissions from fossil fuel use have increased from 3 billion tons per year in 1960 to 36.8 billion tons in 2023,5 an alarming twelve-fold increase. With household activities accounting for two-thirds of global emissions, there has never been a more pressing need for systemic and individual changes.6 INDIA’S WARMING CRISIS The deleterious effects of this surge are already evident in India. Between 1901 and 2018, India’s average temperature rose by approximately 0.7°C.7 Under the current high-emission scenarios, we could face a temperature rise of about 4.4°C by the end of the 21st century.8 This far exceeds the Paris Agreement’s targets of keeping global warming well below 2°C and ideally within 1.5°C.9 URGENCY FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION Target 2030: The window is closing! We have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30 gigatons annually to maintain global temperatures below 1.5°C. Even if we do not reach the target by 2030, we should have at least laid the foundation for a carbon-neutral future, universal energy access, and clean air.10 INDIA’S RESPONSE AND COMMITMENTS India has initiated multiple strategies to address climate change, notably: The Energy Conservation Act of 2001, which provides a framework for regulating energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency and conservation. India saved around 28 million tons of oil equivalent energy in 2019–2020 due to such efforts11 At the COP-26 Summit, India committed to Reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tons Cutting carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, over 2005 levels Reaching 500 GW of nonfossil energy capacity by 2030 and fulfilling 50% of its energy needs with renewable sources. According to COP-28, between 2017 and 2023, India added approximately 100 GW of installed electric capacity, with around 80% coming from nonfossil fuel resources12 Furthermore, the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill of 2022 is expected to accelerate decarbonization through carbon credit trading and mandated use of nonfossil fuels.13 INDIVIDUAL AND SYSTEMIC SOLUTIONS: A BALANCED APPROACH India is working toward its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, but the pace needs to be increased.14 Multilateral and collaborative action at all levels is the need of the hour to bring us one step closer to our goal. Governments must shift from planning to rapid implementation. Awareness campaigns, such as the SAMEER app15 for air quality monitoring, hold promise, but public participation must increase. Individual efforts could go a long way in contributing to reduced CO2 emissions. The LiFE 21-Day Challenge encourages Indians to become Pro-Planet people by taking one simple environmental action per day for 21 days.16 FROM BALANCE TO BREAKTHROUGH: LET’S STRENGTHEN OUR CLIMATE RESPONSE India has adopted a balanced and pragmatic approach to climate action, recognizing the intertwined challenges of development and sustainability. However, in the face of escalating climate threats, we must acknowledge that balanced action alone is no longer enough. Inaction will have far-reaching consequences, affecting food security, public health, and livelihoods. Through global cooperation, systemic choices, and individual lifestyle choices, we can still steer the world away from the brink of climate disaster. The time to act is now, while the window is still open before it is too late. India must now lead the way – not just by balancing targets, but by boldly advancing them. Financial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.