Global Warming: A Global Emergency Requiring Concerted Action

Global warming is a global phenomenon marked by an increase in the average temperatures of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. This phenomenon is largely attributed to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from human activities, particularly the combustion of fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas), deforestation, and certain agricultural practices.

Contribution of different sectors to global warming

Transport sector:

Road transport: Passenger cars and trucks contribute significantly to CO₂ emissions.

Maritime transport: Cargo ships and container ships are also responsible for a significant share of emissions, particularly of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Here is the image at the bottom of the article depicting a vast scene with 50,000 container ships spread across a large expanse of ocean every day.

Air travel: Commercial aircraft emit GHGs, including CO₂, and their impact is amplified by the high altitude at which these emissions occur. Here is an image of thousands of planes in the sky, illustrating the scale of global air travel every day.

Image at the bottom of the article

Large industries (steel, cement, petrochemicals, etc.) and energy production (coal and gas-fired thermal power stations) are among the largest emitters of GHGs.

Deforestation for agriculture or logging reduces the ability of forests to absorb CO₂, increasing its concentration in the atmosphere.

Intensive agriculture, particularly livestock farming, produces methane (CH₄), a particularly powerful GHG.

Why target individuals?

Individual actions, such as car use, meat consumption, and household energy use, combined on a global scale, contribute significantly to overall GHG emissions.

While businesses have a large share of responsibility, consumers influence business practices through their consumption choices. Increased demand for sustainable products can push businesses to adopt greener practices.

Raising awareness among individuals of the impacts of their actions can encourage behavioural changes that, on a large scale, can have a significant impact on reducing emissions.

Why blame companies and big polluters?

A minority of large companies are responsible for a majority of GHG emissions. For example, a 2017 study found that 100 companies were responsible for 71% of global GHG emissions since 1988.

Large companies have the resources and capacity to invest in clean technologies and change their supply chains to reduce their carbon footprint.

Governments can put in place stricter regulations on polluting industries, which can have a major impact on reducing emissions.

Contribution of air and maritime transport

The aviation and maritime transport sectors contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and are not always adequately regulated or held accountable.

In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, there were about 100,000 commercial flights per day worldwide. That number has fluctuated since then, but numbers have gradually returned to high levels as travel resumed.

Commercial aviation is responsible for around 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions. However, the climate impact of flights is amplified by high-altitude emissions, which contribute to the formation of contrails and other atmospheric effects.

There are an estimated 50,000 active merchant ships worldwide, including cargo ships, oil tankers and container ships.

Shipping is responsible for around 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions. Ships often burn heavy fuel oil, one of the most polluting fuels, emitting not only CO₂ but also sulphur oxides (SOx) and fine particles, which have negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Disparity of efforts

It is often perceived that individuals are more solicited to make environmental efforts compared to large companies or highly polluting sectors such as aviation and maritime transport.

Individual behavior changes are often easier to implement in the short term and are strongly promoted through awareness campaigns.

Regulating global sectors such as aviation and shipping is complex because of the international nature of these industries and the need for coordination across many countries and international organizations.

Large industries often have significant financial and political leverage to influence public policy and delay or ease environmental regulations.

Participate in protests, petitions and awareness campaigns to put pressure on governments and businesses.

Vote for politicians and parties that are serious about tackling climate change.

Education and awareness:

Promote education on climate change and its impacts to increase public support for environmental measures.

Local and community initiatives:

Encourage and participate in local sustainability initiatives, such as recycling programs, community renewable energy projects, and community gardens.

Responsible consumption:

Reduce your personal carbon footprint by adopting more sustainable behaviors, such as using public transportation, eating less meat, and reducing your energy consumption.

Governments have a crucial role to play in combating climate change, but their action is often hampered by economic interests, political challenges and social resistance. Continued pressure from citizens, combined with increased awareness and local initiatives, can help accelerate the changes needed to protect our planet.

Alternative: electric vehicles and their batteries

Working Conditions in Cobalt Mines in the DRC

Electric batteries, although an important step forward in the fight against global warming, pose serious ethical and environmental challenges.

Many cobalt mines in the DRC are operated on an artisanal and informal basis. Miners use rudimentary tools and work in precarious conditions without adequate protective equipment.

Child labor:

Unfortunately, child labour is common in these mines. Children are often forced to work to support their families, exposing them to serious risks to their health and safety.

Health and safety risks:

Miners are exposed to many hazards, such as tunnel collapses, exposure to toxic substances, and exhausting and unsanitary working conditions. Accidents are frequent and often fatal.

Economic and social conditions:

Extreme poverty and lack of economic alternatives force many Congolese to work in these mines. Workers are often poorly paid and exploited by middlemen and companies.

Involvement of China and the Global Market

Purchases by Chinese companies:

China is a major player in the global cobalt market, using the crucial mineral to make lithium-ion batteries. Many Chinese companies buy cobalt mined in the DRC, often with little regard for working conditions in the mines.

Complex supply chain:

The cobalt supply chain is complex and opaque, making it difficult to trace the ore and ensure that mining practices meet ethical standards.

Initiatives and Solutions to Improve the Situation

Corporate Responsibility:

Companies that use cobalt in their products, such as battery and electronics manufacturers, must ensure that their supply chain respects human rights and labor standards. They can adopt due diligence policies, audit their suppliers, and encourage responsible mining practices.

Certification initiatives:

Initiatives such as the Fair Cobalt Alliance and the Cobalt Refinery Supply Chain Due Diligence Standard aim to promote responsible mining practices and improve working conditions in cobalt mines.

Local economic development:

Invest in local economic development in the DRC to provide viable alternatives to artisanal mining. This includes education, vocational training, and the creation of diversified economic opportunities.

Technological innovation:

Encourage research and development of alternative technologies that reduce dependence on cobalt, such as cobalt-free batteries or new energy storage technologies.

Conditions in cobalt mines in the DRC are a serious human rights issue that requires concerted action by governments, businesses, and civil society. It is essential to promote responsible mining practices, strengthen supply chain regulations and transparency, and support sustainable economic development in affected regions. Consumers can also play a role by demanding ethical products and supporting companies that take steps to ensure responsible supply chains.

Effectively combating climate change requires an integrated and comprehensive approach that combines strict regulations, investments in innovation, education, and international cooperation. Each of these actions, combined with those of governments, businesses, and civil society, can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.

GILLES MATTA

This is an image of a vast scene with 50,000 container ships spread across a large expanse of ocean.

This is the image depicting thousands of planes in the sky, illustrating the magnitude of global air transport every day.

a child working in a cobalt mine, with his face covered in cobalt dust. It illustrates the harsh and dangerous conditions these children face.

Congolese miners at the bottom of a cobalt mine, working in difficult conditions