CLIMATE CHANGE - WHERE DO WE STAND?

Climate change remains a pressing global challenge, with recent data indicating both alarming trends and areas for improvement. Have we made any substantial progress? Global temperatures are reaching 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. We are not much better off in 2026. 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 The report noted, “Imported fossil fuels have been replaced by cleaner options, reducing climate emissions and providing consumers with lower energy prices.”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 some 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.