Threshold crossed

Listen to article

California burns, and the world stands at a precipice. This year, for the first time, global temperatures have risen beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This ominous landmark, confirmed by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), is a clear signal that the climate crisis is accelerating beyond control.

The consequences of this temperature rise are already being felt. A hotter atmosphere is fueling more extreme weather events. In 2024, the amount of water vapour in the air reached record highs, leading to stronger storms and unprecedented rainfall. The wildfires in California are just one example of how these changes are making natural disasters more frequent and severe. At the heart of this crisis is the persistent rise in carbon dioxide emissions, primarily from burning fossil fuels. Despite decades of warnings, carbon dioxide levels hit a record 422 parts per million in 2024. This relentless increase is pushing the planet toward conditions that modern humans have never experienced. While the science is clear, political will is faltering. Recent elections in Europe have shifted focus toward industrial competitiveness, with some governments advocating for the weakening of climate policies in the name of economic growth. This short-term thinking risks undermining the global response to a crisis that requires urgent, coordinated action. The surpassing of the 1.5°C threshold should serve as an unequivocal call to action. Delaying climate action is no longer an option. Governments must not only honour but strengthen their commitments to reduce emissions. The transition to renewable energy must be accelerated, and policies must be designed to prioritise long-term environmental sustainability over immediate economic gains.

This is a defining moment. The path we choose now will shape the future of our planet for generations. The world can no longer afford complacency or half-measures.