TheCable

The complexities of climate change and its associated jargon can make it difficult to digest. TheCable’s climate quick facts will help to demystify these climate concepts through easy-to-understand and straight-to-the-point explanations.

Here are some to keep at the tip of your fingers:

• According to the United Nations (UN), about 90 percent of the excess energy that accumulates in the earth system due to increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, goes into the ocean.

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says that globally about $5.9 trillion was spent on fossil fuel subsidies in 2020 and it is expected to increase to 7.4 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025.

• According to the UN, the reduction of pollution and climate impact alone could save the world up to $4.2 trillion per year by 2030.

• At least $4 trillion a year needs to be invested in renewable energy until 2030 – including investments in technology and infrastructure – if the world would reach net-zero emissions by 2050, says the UN.

• According to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), from 1970 to 2019, weather, climate and water hazards accounted for 50 percent of disasters and 45 percent of disaster-related deaths, mostly in developing countries