CLIMATE CHANGE - WHERE ARE WE?

Climate change remains a pressing global challenge, with recent data indicating both alarming trends and areas for improvement. Have we made any substantial progress? In 2024, global temperatures reached unprecedented highs. NASA reported that the Earth’s average temperature was 2.30°F (1.28°C) higher than the 20th-century baseline, breaking the previous record set in 2023. Likewise, the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that 2024 marked the hottest year on record, with temperatures approximately 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. Do we really have a grasp on this?

Greenhouse gas emissions are on the rise. Fossil CO₂ emissions increased by 0.8% in 2024, reaching a new peak of 37.41 billion tons. Seems we are headed in the wrong direction? This represents a substantial increase of over 60% compared to 1990 levels. The rise in temperatures has also led to a sharp increase in energy demand, primarily for cooling. The International Energy Agency highlighted that extreme heat in 2024 significantly boosted global energy consumption, especially in countries like China and India, where dependence on coal for power generation grew.

Despite these challenges, progress is evident in some areas - yes, a ray of hope! Emissions from industrial activities dropped by 2.3%, and renewable energy sources saw rapid expansion. In 2024, renewables led the global energy supply growth, with 700 gigawatts of new capacity added. Furthermore, the rise in electric vehicle adoption and the expansion of data centers for artificial intelligence have contributed to a shift toward more sustainable technologies.

Late March 2025, Heled Ltd. Energy in Finland successfully closed its coal power plant, cutting its dependence on coal to under 1%. As coal consumption dropped, wind energy experienced a significant rise, now supplying a quarter of the country's electricity. A recent report highlighted that wind power has become a key factor in Finland’s economic growth, accounting for 44% of all expected green industrial investments. The report noted, “Imported fossil fuels have been replaced by cleaner options, reducing climate emissions and providing consumers with lower energy prices.”

The urgency for more decisive climate action is clear. The United Nations stresses the need to ramp up efforts to cut emissions and transition to sustainable energy solutions. Strengthening early warning systems and investing in climate services are also crucial to protect communities from the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

In conclusion, although progress has been made in certain areas, the overall pace of change remains insufficient to meet global climate targets. Of course, in several countries, investment funds are lacking. Increased commitment and prompt action are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change and transition toward a sustainable future. While climate change is not a new issue, what is unprecedented is the lack of urgency with which governments have been responding. Scientists have consistently emphasized the critical need not only to reduce carbon emissions but also to reverse them before the damage becomes irreversible, putting our planet at even greater risk.

About the Authors: Ms. Nadira Haniff is an Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Business Strategist with a keen focus on Finance & Capital Development for Projects and Initiatives that improve Humanity's quality of life. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall Socio-Economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch, collaborating with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change, and other major global crises. Ms. Beverley Macnaughton is CEO of operations at GreenWorld Enterprises Inc. and is passionate about business growth and expansion without destroying our Planet.

Imagine If We All Cared More - It's A Stretch, I Know

Imagine, OK yes, I know this is asking a lot! But just take a deep breath and go on a mental journey with me for a few precious minutes. If I asked you now,  just for a little sliver of your time to shed every bias of humanity you have developed; wittingly or unwittingly. I would be the first to proclaim “I am not biased. We are all human”. But I want you to dig deeper – just for a few minutes – shed the guardrails – and drill down, we all harbor biased thoughts, even the best of us, one way or another. Whether it’s from our upbringing, rumors, news reports, propaganda, or hushed whispers across rooms; it is every present.

Throughout history, man has plundered, murdered, decimated, conquered, humiliated, and destroyed humans in the name of power, fame, color, country, and a host of validations. A species so intelligent yet we have shed so much human blood on this planet.  And I know, the unanswered question is “What can I do? Those who buck the norm are usually banished, locked away,  killed, or silenced”.  But just for a moment, walk with me…

Imagine a world where kindness is universal, where generosity and equality are a fundamental truth rather than an anomaly. Earth where people would treat one another with respect, irrespective of race, nationality, politics, religion, or any man-made difference, carving a path to real human connection, appreciation, and understanding.

Our children would grow up seeing diversity as a strength, learning from each other's cultures and experiences without fear or prejudice. What if Nations would collaborate, pooling resources and knowledge for the betterment of humanity, rather than hatred, fighting, and muscling their way to power, wealth, and nuclear arsenal?

In this new world, society would prioritize the well-being of all its people. How about we look out for one another, driven by compassion rather than misplaced competition? (Don’t misunderstand, competition is awesome, but misplaced it is not!) Governments would focus on creating policies that ensure equal access to healthcare, education, and opportunities. Violence born of hatred and misunderstanding, would fade away, replaced by dialogue, empathy, and peacebuilding.

The spirit of unity would extend not just to humanity but to all living creatures, fostering a planet where harmony and sustainability thrive, Environmental care would not be a hoax but a strong sense of protecting  Earth, it’s our shared home.

In this world, the barriers we create between ourselves—whether through borders, skin color, or beliefs—would eventually crumble, upholding leaders who make decisions based on the shared goal of human flourishing. Just imagine… OK, the moment has passed, and you are back to the real Earth!

About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff is an Entrepreneur, Consultant, and Business Strategist with a keen focus on Finance & Capital Development for Projects and Initiatives that improve Humanity's quality of life. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall Socio-Economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch, collaborating with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change, and other major global crises.

The Price Of Climate Change Is High - Who Pays?

In 2024 it is no secret that climate change is heightening existing humanitarian crises globally and generating new ones in already vulnerable communities.

Experts warn that substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—stemming from activities like fossil fuel use and deforestation are crucial to halt the rise in global temperatures and its catastrophic impacts.

Extreme weather events associated with global warming affect countries regardless of their GDP or wealth, as evidenced by recent deadly floods in Europe, unprecedented floods in China, and a mix of hurricanes and severe winter temperatures in the United States.

However, wealthier nations generally have more resources to cope with the impacts of climate change, whereas lower-income countries often lack such resources.

COUNTRIES MOST AT RISK OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

• Chad: Floods and increasing military conflict affecting the entire nation.

• Somalia: Severe drought and extreme food insecurity.

• Syria: Drought and earthquakes.

• Yemen: Drought and food insecurity.

• Democratic Republic of Congo: Floods and escalating food insecurity.

• Afghanistan: Experiencing both drought and flooding.

• South Sudan: Ranked 7th most vulnerable - Floods in late 2022 impacted over 900,000 people.

• Central African Republic: Cholera and other waterborne diseases.

• Nigeria: Flooding and food insecurity.

• Ethiopia: Severe drought

The stark and shocking reality is that 50% of all countries receive less than $4 per person per year in climate finance for both mitigation and adaptation efforts. How does 65 cents per person per year sound?

• Sudan receives only about $1 per person per year in total climate finance – that’s for both mitigation and adaptation.

• Two billion people lack water services that can endure climate-related challenges – that’s 25% of the World’s population. And we know, without doubt, that access to a reliable water supply is crucial for mitigating both immediate and future climate change impact

• 77 cents per person per year. In countries where more than 10% of the population does not have access to nearby water, climate finance for water service adaptation averages less than 77 cents per year

• 65 cents per person per year. The ten countries with the lowest levels of access to nearby water receive an average of just 65 cents per person per year in climate finance for water service adaptation.

We still have a very long way to go, and much work ahead to be able to recalibrate and address these very significant global challenges.

About the Author: Ms. Nadira Haniff has over the years focused keenly on Finance & Capital Development for Projects that improve the quality of life of Humanity. With a relentless passion for Social equality, eradicating Food Insecurity, and overall socio-economic upliftment of communities, Ms. Haniff bears the torch and collaborates with the movers and shakers of the World to solve the pressing challenges of Climate Change and other major crises.