As I stood on the sun-scorched beach, watching the waves crash against the shore, I couldn’t help but think of my grandmother’s words: “The ocean is like a mother, it gives and takes, but it’s our job to take care of it.” Growing up, I’d spent countless summers playing in the waves, collecting seashells, and listening to her tales of the sea’s power. But this summer, the ocean’s fury was different. The heat was relentless, the storms more frequent, and the waves were a constant reminder of the climate crisis that was slowly devouring our planet.
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The sea level rise had already claimed parts of my hometown, displacing families and erasing memories. I thought of my own children, playing on the same beach, wondering if they’d ever get to experience the same carefree joy I had. The thought sent a shiver down my spine. As I gazed out at the waves, I knew I wasn’t alone in my concerns. Communities around the world were struggling to cope with the impacts of climate change – from droughts to floods, from heatwaves to storms. It was clear that something had to change.
In 2015, the Paris Agreement marked a major turning point in global efforts to combat climate change. The landmark deal brought together nearly 200 countries to agree on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. But as the years passed, progress was slow, and the pace of change seemed glacial.
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Fast-forward to 2020, and it’s clear that the world has been working to accelerate the pace of climate progress. The European Union has set ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2050, while countries like Costa Rica and Norway have made significant strides in transitioning to renewable energy. The number of countries committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions has risen, and international cooperation is on the up.
The progress, though, is not without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed climate talks and threatened to derail hard-won gains. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement in 2020 sent shockwaves around the world, and the subsequent presidential election saw a return to the accord. Despite these setbacks, momentum is still building.
As I look out at the waves, I see a glimmer of hope. The climate agreement progress, though slow, is a reminder that collective action can lead to meaningful change. The world may be facing a climate crisis, but it’s also a chance to reimagine our relationship with the planet. It’s time to take care of the ocean, just as my grandmother taught me to do. The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: we can’t afford to wait any longer.
