Climate Change: The Alarming Reality and Imperative Actions
Current Climate Landscape
Bad climate news is everywhere. Africa, in particular, is being hit hard by climate change and extreme weather, severely impacting lives and livelihoods. As global temperatures continue to rise at an unprecedented rate since records began, the urgency for action becomes increasingly palpable. Governments, however, have been frustratingly slow to act, further exacerbating the crisis.
The Upcoming COP30 Conference
The annual global climate change conference, COP30, is just months away. All 197 countries belonging to the United Nations were expected to submit updated national climate plans by February of this year. These plans are crucial as they outline how nations will cut greenhouse gas emissions in line with the legally binding Paris Agreement, which commits signatories to limit human-caused global warming to no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
At COP30, countries must present these updated plans and demonstrate their strategies for adapting to the climate impacts already underway. However, progress has been sluggish, and with only 25 countries—covering about 20% of global emissions—having submitted their plans, a staggering 172 countries have yet to share essential commitments.
The Importance of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are vital, setting out countries’ short- to medium-term commitments on climate change. They serve as a roadmap for policymakers and can influence broader investments and strategies. Aligning these climate plans with development goals could potentially lift 175 million people out of poverty. Unfortunately, only one of the submitted NDCs—the UK’s—truly aligns with the Paris Agreement’s goals.
Latest Findings on Global Heating
As climate scientists, we note the findings from our annual Indicators of Global Climate Change report. Human-caused global warming reached 1.36°C in 2024, contributing to an average temperature elevation of 1.52°C. This alarming figure indicates that we are now in a dangerously warm world, susceptible to severe climate impacts.
Despite last year’s high global temperatures, the situation has become alarmingly routine. Record high levels of greenhouse gas emissions have caused atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide to soar. Our carbon budget is rapidly depleting, and at current levels of emissions, it could be exhausted in less than three years.
The Intensifying Climate Crisis in Africa
Africa faces its deadliest climate crisis in over a decade. Extreme weather events are not just statistical anomalies; they represent significant threats to human life and livelihoods. The continent is experiencing an escalating cascade of climate-related challenges, from droughts to floods, affecting food security and economic stability.
The Need for Reliable Climate Data
In a world where economies depend on fast and precise data, the urgency surrounding climate change signals a desperate need for rapid access to reliable climate data. Decisions made based on outdated or incomplete information can have dire consequences. Yet, this slow response to climate alerts starkly contrasts with the swift action seen in economic crises. Governments must pivot as decisively to climate data as they do in the financial realm.
Future Actions and Global Responsibilities
As nations continue to develop their climate plans, it’s critical for leaders to confront the hard truths of climate science. Global cooperation is essential, especially for fairness and equity. Developed nations must acknowledge their historical contributions to emissions and lead the way in ambitious mitigation efforts, alongside financing for developing countries’ decarbonization and adaptation processes.
Mobilizing Ahead of COP30
The UN is facilitating efforts in Africa with the upcoming Climate Week in Addis Ababa, where leaders will focus on preparing for COP30. This includes discussions about accessing climate finance and ensuring that the transition to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is equitable. The successful implementation of NDCs can significantly slow the pace of climate change, benefiting not just those at the forefront but the entire global community.
The Role of Major Economic Powers
Just five of the G20 countries have submitted their 2035 plans, while the G20 itself is responsible for approximately 80% of global emissions. The current leadership role of South Africa aims to prioritize assistance for developing nations as they transition towards a low-carbon economy.
Evaluating Commitments to Fossil Fuels
A worrying trend is that only 10 of the submitted NDCs have reaffirmed or strengthened commitments to move away from fossil fuels. It is vital that major players like the European Union, China, and India take their climate leadership seriously—a commitment to which many nations will be looking to gauge their own responses.
The Path Ahead
Data from our report are designed not just to illustrate past occurrences but also to forecast future scenarios. We hope that as countries approach COP30, they will submit ambitious and credible climate plans ahead of time, thereby closing the gap between acknowledging the climate crisis and taking decisive action. Each tonne of greenhouse gas emissions counts, and now more than ever, robust and urgent action is essential.
