As I stood on the beach, watching the waves lap against the shore, I couldn’t help but think of my grandmother, who used to take me to this exact spot as a child. She’d point to the horizon and say, “The sea is rising, kiddo. We need to take care of it.” Now, as an adult, I see the effects of climate change firsthand. Coastal erosion is eating away at the very land we love, threatening the homes and livelihoods of countless communities.
The year was 2015, and as world leaders gathered in Paris for the UN Climate Change Conference, my grandmother’s words echoed in my mind. The Paris Agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries, aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. It was a monumental step forward, but what’s the reality on the ground now?
Four years on, the progress has been significant. The agreement has led to a surge in renewable energy investments, with solar and wind power becoming increasingly affordable and accessible. Countries like Costa Rica and Denmark are already leading the charge, with more than 80% of their electricity coming from renewable sources.
But the numbers are sobering. Despite the agreement’s ambitious targets, global carbon dioxide emissions continue to rise. In 2020, they reached a record high, fueled by a surge in fossil fuel use, mostly in the transport and industry sectors. It’s a stark reminder that the transition to a low-carbon economy is slow and challenging.
So, what’s driving progress? One crucial factor is the growing awareness of climate change’s social and economic impacts. Rising temperatures are causing more frequent and severe natural disasters, displacing communities and straining social services. The economic benefits of transitioning to a low-carbon economy are also becoming clearer, with studies showing that every dollar invested in climate action generates up to $5 in economic benefits.
Another key factor is the rise of subnational and non-state actors. Cities, states, and companies are increasingly taking action on climate change, often independently of national governments. This “bottom-up” approach is unlocking creative solutions and driving innovation, as seen in initiatives like the European Union’s Green Deal and the US city of Los Angeles’s Green New Deal.
Despite these advances, there’s still much work to be done. The current trajectory of emissions suggests that the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C limit, with devastating consequences. The global community must come together to accelerate progress, leveraging the power of technology, finance, and human ingenuity to create a more sustainable future.
As I look out at the rising tides, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s words. The sea is indeed rising, but it’s not too late to take action. The climate agreement has given us a roadmap for change, and it’s up to us to navigate the tides of progress.
