By Brian Seroney – Environmental and Climate Scientist
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports indicated that 2024 was the warmest year on record yet. In global climate terms, this might like just another number; yet nations, communities and millions of species are in between resilience or demise. The Paris Agreement set the target from a global and scientific consensus, highlighting that anything past the 1.5, will have devastating impacts. But are we really on the road to achieving this?
With no specific daily indicators that highlight the effect of the average surface temperatures, it does not sound an alarm to the masses. And if it does, it’s not enough to catalyze action. The increasing populations, especially in Africa, and the youth bulge situation predicts a challenge, that is incoming sooner than later. Recently, we have seen the increased flooding, extreme droughts, prevailing wildfires and reports of dwindling glaciers. These are all effects that not only touch on the environment but extend to social and economic livelihoods. With no apparent reversal, and in the case of reaching to climate tipping points, guess who will be at the center of the challenges – you, yes you! This needs to ring a bell for an average young person who is very concerned of their future, and those coming after.
Nations are adopting ambitious climate goals, but still there are challenges. Everyone is facing the devastating impacts of climate change, but the poor and vulnerable are suffering the most. 1.5 is there to bridge this. The young people, also termed as vulnerable, are already facing challenges as they try to adopt to new models and seek careers and livelihoods. Climate migration is becoming a challenge, forcing migrants to leave their original homes in search of livelihoods. Families are broken and heritage lost. The climate changes, have the potential to change the trajectories of societies in fundamental ways. And the world approaching fast a +1.5 degrees, the science is becoming clear on the irreversible observed impacts and climate risks. This is just but some of the non-environmental challenges that is affecting us, and hence the need for us to act – and act fast.
There is hope, though time is running, there is a chance. And this chance is for every young person to be at the forefront. Whether it is through engaging in the climate policies discourse, advocating for intergenerational and gender progressive ideas, to practicing restoration activities, it is the individual action that counts. Beyond policies, individual action matters, the collective power of people can drive systemic change. There should be a linkage between the stakeholders, communities and youths working in driving climate action. At a time where we are headed to delivering our ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), it is a clarion call for each sector and stakeholder to chip in and be counted.
1.5 is not just a number, it is the lives of grassroot communities. It is a beacon of hope for the young people, it is a light at the end of the tunnel for the children. The discussions need to change, the contributions need to be enhanced and the actions need to be fastened. The window for act is really closing up. Will we stand to the challenge? Will we be part of the transition?
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