Scientists warn that the climate crisis has reached a “critical and unprecedented new phase,” with 25 of 35 vital planetary signs at record extremes. The Earth’s surface temperature is at an all-time high, and COP29 discussions are deemed imperative for progress amid ongoing fossil fuel reliance, particularly in Azerbaijan, the host nation.
An international coalition of scientists has announced that the Earth is entering a “critical and unprecedented new phase” of the climate crisis, as expressed in a report released on the eve of the upcoming COP29 summit in Azerbaijan. The report reveals that 25 out of 35 vital signs that monitor the planet’s health are currently at record extremes. Among these alarming findings, the average surface temperature of the Earth has reached an unprecedented high, with predictions indicating that the year 2024 may register as one of the hottest in recorded history. William Ripple, a professor at Oregon State University’s College of Forestry, emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating that, “Ecological overshoot, taking more than the planet can safely give, has pushed the planet into climatic conditions more threatening than anything witnessed even by our prehistoric relatives.” He insisted on the necessity for substantial progress during the COP29 discussions. Despite the issuing of six Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports, 28 Conferences of the Parties (COP), and numerous scientific publications, the global response to climate change has been inadequate, achieving only limited advancements. The report attributes this stagnation to the persistent resistance from individuals and entities that financially benefit from fossil fuel exploitation. Specifically, Azerbaijan, the host of COP29, has not pledged to achieve net zero emissions and continues to enhance its fossil fuel extraction efforts, primarily to address the increasing demand for natural gas from Europe due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Furthermore, an analysis from the NGO Global Witness has predicted that Azerbaijan’s forthcoming natural gas extraction projects could produce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to those of Russia’s annual output.
The climate crisis presents an existential threat to the planet, characterized by rising temperatures, ecological degradation, and increasingly extreme weather patterns. International scientific bodies continue to monitor key indicators or “planetary vital signs” to assess the health of the Earth, highlighting the urgent need for global action. The upcoming COP29 conference is intended to facilitate discussions on combating climate change, yet there are significant challenges posed by the continued reliance on fossil fuels in various countries, including those hosting such summits.
In conclusion, the findings presented by the international coalition of scientists underscore the urgency of addressing the climate crisis, which is currently at a critical juncture. As discussions advance at COP29 in Azerbaijan, it is essential to confront the financial interests that hinder meaningful progress. Achieving effective climate action requires a collective commitment from nations to transition away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable energy solutions.
Original Source: www.semafor.com
