Former US special envoy for climate John Kerry has sounded the alarm that the world is already surpassing the crucial 1.5°C warming threshold. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, Kerry highlighted the urgent need for countries to take action to address climate change, especially the 23 nations and regions responsible for the majority of emissions. He emphasized the impact of climate change, including accelerated polar ice melt, rising sea levels, intense storms, and ocean acidification.
Kerry stressed that efforts to combat climate change should be driven by science and not politics. Despite recent agreements at global climate conferences, he warned that current implementation falls short of what is needed to limit warming to 1.7 degrees. He expressed frustration at the lack of action from policymakers, questioning why humanity struggles to address existential threats.
Kerry made a compelling case for the economic opportunities that come with climate action, noting that renewable energy sources are now cheaper than fossil fuels. He urged countries to transition to cleaner energy sources, emphasizing that delaying action will only lead to greater costs in the future.
Highlighting the role of major emitters like China, the United States, and India, Kerry acknowledged India’s complexities while stressing its crucial role in global climate action. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Kerry remains optimistic about the possibility of solutions to combat climate change, emphasizing the importance of human choices in addressing global challenges.
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