Climate crisis is upon us. Immediate action required.
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The world is grappling with the pressing issue of climate change, as evidenced by the rising sea levels - now 5 to 8 inches higher than in 1990 - and the drastic decrease in Arctic ice since 1979, amounting to 3.45 million square kilometers.
International agreements have been instrumental in addressing this crisis. Notable among them are the Montreal Protocol (1987), the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992), the Kyoto Protocol (2005), and the Paris Agreement (2015).
However, reaching global climate agreements faces significant obstacles. One such challenge is the geopolitical use of oil as a strategic weapon, with oil-producing countries sometimes leveraging their resources to create tensions that complicate cooperative climate action.
Another hurdle is the reliance on fossil fuels in developing countries, where these resources are often essential for economic growth and poverty reduction. Transitioning to alternatives can be costly or technologically inaccessible for these nations.
Moreover, even major emitters have pledged emissions reductions that experts deem insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C, creating a persistent gap between commitments and actual policy or action.
Economic and political pressures, insufficient finance, and limited transparency further hinder the achievement and strengthening of global climate agreements.
In the United States, the political landscape reflects these divisions. While 81% of Democrats believe that the U.S. should act as a leader in limiting climate change, 82% view climate change as a critical threat, 70% prioritise climate action over economic growth. On the other hand, 68% of Republicans prioritise economic growth over climate action.
Recent developments in U.S. climate policy include the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act by Democrats, an investment of 300 billion dollars aimed at cutting carbon emissions by 40% by 2030 and introducing an electric vehicle tax credit. However, the House of Republicans recently passed legislation that increases the domestic production of oil, coal, and natural gas, potentially setting back this agenda.
Meanwhile, youth are taking matters into their own hands, with examples including lawsuits against states over fossil fuel extraction and protests for climate change.
It is crucial to note that fossil fuel pollution is responsible for 8 million deaths worldwide. In response, some nations are making strides in renewable energy. For instance, Costa Rica derived 99.78% of its energy from renewable resources in 2020, and Governor Kathy Hochul of New York allocated $59 million to a Clean Green Schools initiative.
However, the road to a sustainable future is fraught with challenges. Addressing the climate crisis requires not just technological innovation, but also political will and a shift in priorities. As former Vice President Al Gore asserts, addressing the democracy crisis, which includes corruption and special interest money affecting the political process, is crucial for properly addressing the climate crisis.
References:
- Climate Action Tracker
- UNFCCC
- World Resources Institute
- OECD
This synthesis is based on recent analyses of the Paris Agreement and international climate governance challenges documented in August 2025 sources[1][2][3][4].
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