A storm cloud comes into Sydney, australia February 8, 2019 in this still image taken from a video obtained from social media on February 9, 2019. — Reuters

It is heartening to read that Australia is on track to meeting its environmental obligations. But there was also another news report alongside the Australian item in your daily which said that melting ice sheets are likely to cause ‘climate chaos’ (“Australia will meet climate deal target: Study,” Feb.8, The Gulf Today).

That scenario is akin to the two sides of the same coin. On one hand we have nations keen on preserving the environment while on the other we have countries like the US who refuse to be part of the global initiative in cutting down on harmful emissions, leading to global warming.

Australia needs praise for their efforts in meeting the carbon emissions target stipulated under the Paris Climate accord. Thanks to several big wind and solar farms opening over the past year and rapidly growing installation of rooftop solar panels, Australia is adopting renewable energy faster per capita than the rest of the world.

Of course, it has a long way to go, but is something the rest of the world could emulate. Especially, the affluent countries, because they wreaked havoc on the environment in their rush for industrialisation. Phasing out fossil fuels is the need of the hour. Investing in renewal energy is the only way out if we are to leave a habitable world for our children.

Lucia Faria — By email