As planet overheats, it’s a race against climate clock

The aim to limit Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, established in the 2015 Paris Agreement, is faltering. Scientists estimate the planet will breach the threshold by 2024, marking a turning point in climate action.

While renewable energy use is surging, it isn’t scaling quickly enough to offset rising global energy demands. Emissions remain historically high, driven by political resistance and reliance on fossil fuels.

Progress in clean energy, however, offers hope. Solar and wind energy costs have plummeted by 90% over the past decade, and electric vehicles are rapidly gaining traction.

However, global electricity demand, growing annually by an amount equal to Japan’s total usage, complicates emissions reduction.

With rising populations and minimal historical emissions, developing nations face critical decisions.

Climate goals may become unattainable if these countries replicate fossil fuel-heavy energy models. Meanwhile, wealthy nations must invest in adaptation measures, requiring up to $387 billion annually for climate resilience by 2030.

Experts agree that achieving meaningful decarbonization will require transformative global policies and investments, especially in emerging economies.