Humanity has to come to terms with the frightening prospect of irreversible global warming. No corner of the world is safe anymore as nations across the globe are already reeling from the impacts of the climate crisis. Humankind and all living things on the planet are now in immediate danger as temperatures continue to rise, and flooding and forest fires become more rampant.
The quest for carbon neutrality has begun in earnest. More than 70 countries, including the world’s biggest polluters, have set net-zero targets for carbon dioxide emissions, with hundreds of cities, companies, and investors committing to complementary strategies. But a successful net-zero transition will require a fundamental transformation of the real economy. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has roiled global energy markets, has reawakened concern with energy independence.
The leaders of the Group of Twenty (G20) countries head to Osaka this week for their annual summit. United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres will address them before traveling to Abu Dhabi to finalise the arrangements for September’s UN Climate Action Summit. These meetings should set the world on course for the fastest economic transition in history.
