I still remember the day my grandmother, a farmer in rural India, told me about the summer of 2019. It was the hottest on record, and her crops were withering away. She said, “The climate is changing, and it’s changing fast.” As I listened to her worries, I realized that the global battle against climate change is not just about numbers and targets, but about real people, like my grandmother, who are already feeling the impact.
Learn more: Can We Afford to Wait? The Imperative of Climate Adaptation Strategies in a Rapidly Changing World
Fast forward to 2015, when 196 countries gathered in Paris to sign the historic Climate Agreement. The agreement aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C (3.6°F) and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C (2.7°F) above pre-industrial levels. The agreement marked a turning point in the fight against climate change, and it’s essential to track its progress.
So, where are we now?
Renewable Energy on the Rise
One area where the agreement has made significant progress is renewable energy. In 2010, renewable energy accounted for just 21% of global power generation. Today, that number has risen to over 30%. Solar and wind energy, in particular, have become increasingly cost-competitive, making them attractive alternatives to fossil fuels. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that the cost of wind energy has fallen by 69% over the past decade, while solar energy costs have dropped by 73%.
Electric Vehicles Gain Momentum
Another area where progress is being made is in electric vehicles (EVs). In 2010, there were just 17,000 EVs on the road worldwide. Today, that number has grown to over 2 million. Countries like Norway, the Netherlands, and China are leading the charge, with EVs now accounting for over 50% of new car sales in some markets. As EV adoption increases, it’s expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, which currently account for 15% of global emissions.
Carbon Pricing on the Rise
Carbon pricing, a key mechanism for reducing emissions, is also gaining traction. In 2010, there were only a handful of carbon pricing schemes in place. Today, over 60 countries and 25 cities have implemented carbon pricing mechanisms, covering over 20% of global emissions. The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been particularly successful, with emissions decreasing by 21% since its launch in 2005.
Challenges Ahead
While progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that countries must increase their ambition to limit warming to 1.5°C. To achieve this, emissions must peak by 2025 and reach net-zero by 2050. This will require significant investments in clean energy, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure.
A New Era of Cooperation
The Paris Agreement has brought countries together in a way that’s unprecedented. The agreement has created a platform for cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and collective action. As we move forward, it’s essential to build on this momentum and continue to work together to address the climate crisis.
My grandmother’s words still echo in my mind: “The climate is changing, and it’s changing fast.” It’s up to us to ensure that the progress we’ve made so far is not just a stepping stone, but a springboard for a more sustainable future.
