Climate Progress Made, But Global Efforts to Slow Change Still Fall Short

New Report Finds Efforts to Slow Climate Change Are Working—Just Not Fast Enough A coalition of climate groups released a report Wednesday highlighting the progress made since the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015, but also warning that efforts to slow climate change are still falling short. The report, which assesses emissions from 45 sectors of the global economy and environment, shows that while renewable energy is becoming increasingly cheap and reliable, and electric vehicles are improving by the year, humanity is still lagging behind where it needs to be to avert the worst effects of climate change. According to Clea Shumer, a researcher at the World Resources Institute, one of the organizations involved in the report, "all systems are flashing red. There's no doubt we're largely doing the right things – we just aren't moving fast enough." The Paris Agreement aims to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels by the end of this century. The report measures progress toward this goal in various sectors, including building electrification and coal use. While there has been significant growth in renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, emissions from fossil fuels remain a major concern. The report also highlights the need for increased investment in clean technologies and infrastructure to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. The Paris Agreement was signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015, marking a significant shift in global efforts to address climate change. Since then, many countries have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. However, despite this progress, the report warns that the pace of change is still too slow. "We're running out of time to right the ship," said Shumer. "The window for action on climate change is rapidly closing, and we need to see more ambition and urgency from governments and businesses around the world." The report's findings are a reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains to be done to address the scale and complexity of the climate crisis. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change, it is clear that international cooperation and collective action will be essential in achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Background: The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015, marking a significant shift in global efforts to address climate change. The agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Since then, many countries have set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Additional Perspectives: The report's findings are being welcomed by climate activists and experts around the world. "This report is a wake-up call for governments and businesses," said Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and founder of the Mary Robinson Foundation Climate Justice. "We need to see more ambition and urgency in addressing the climate crisis." Current Status: The report's findings highlight the need for increased investment in clean technologies and infrastructure to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Governments and businesses around the world will need to work together to accelerate progress and achieve the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Next Developments: The report is expected to inform discussions at upcoming climate negotiations, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow later this year. The conference will bring together governments, businesses, and civil society organizations from around the world to discuss progress toward the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and identify areas for further action. *Reporting by Wired.*