The last ten years have been the hottest on the planet because records are available. This unprecedented warming is a direct result of our activities, especially the Burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.
The effects are already noticeable: more intense wildfires, record-breaking heatwaves, prolonged droughts and torrential rains. As global temperatures rise, these phenomena are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting both ecosystems and our daily lives.
The recognition of these risks led to a historic event in 2015: the signing of the Paris Agreementafter years of international negotiations Climate change. The agreement aims to limit the increase in the planet’s average temperature to less than 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels, with the ideal being no more than 1.5°C. It has been ratified by almost every country in the world, creating a common and legally binding framework to address the climate crisis.
In contrast to previous agreements, the Paris It involves all countries, rich and poor, in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. Each nation defines its own obligations, so-called Nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which must be updated every five years with more ambitious targets.
Before the agreement, scientists predicted global temperatures would rise by nearly 4°C by the end of the century. Thanks to Parisian frame Due to technological progress, forecasts today are around 2.6°C, assuming promises made are kept. Aside from that, Global emissions have stabilized: Since 2015, they have only grown at 0.32% per year, much less than the decade before.
However, that is still not enough. Current commitments will not allow the world to limit warming to the desired 1.5°C. And every fraction of a degree counts: at 1.5°C, the risk of extreme heatwaves doubles; at 2°C it almost triples. The effects on the biodiversityfood production and human health would be much greater.
Given this, the message of Paris Agreement The following still applies: There is no time to waste. Governments need to increase theirs Climate ambitionswith more ambitious and better implemented climate plans and guaranteed financing for developing countries. But cities, companies and each of us also play a role.
On an individual levelWe can contribute by reducing energy consumption, choosing local and seasonal products, avoiding food waste, composting our waste or using sustainable transport. Additionally, we have the power to demand climate action from the policymakers and companies that must lead the change.
The challenge is great, but so is the opportunity to build a healthier and more resilient future. The effects of Climate crisis We already experience them all year round, but with the implementation of the Paris Agreement we can prevent them from increasing. Caring about the climate means caring about life, our lives and that of all the creatures we share this planet with.
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