Is there still time to reverse the climate crisis? As world leaders gather for the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, some say the only way forward is to remain optimistic about the future.
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Five great ways to save Planet Earth
Is there still time to reverse the climate crisis? As world leaders gather for the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan, some say the only way forward is to remain optimistic about the future.
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Baku, the capital of AzerbaijanA former Soviet Republic between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus mountains. . This small country was built on fossil fuels.1 Filled with refineries and oil wells, its national symbol is a gas flame. But now Baku is the host for the 2024 UN COPThe annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29. climate talks.
This week, leaders from 100 countries will gather in the city to discuss how to help developing countriesA country that is not yet highly industrialised. For example, Jordan, with a population of 10.7 million, is host to over 2.9 million refugees cut greenhouse gasGases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases. emissions and adapt to the climate crisis.
But things have started badly. The chief executive of the host country has been caught using the conference to promote oil and gas investmentWhen you put money into a project or idea in the hope it will be successful in the future. opportunities.2 Political tensions mean the German prime minister and the European CommissionThe executive body of the EU, responsible for suggesting new EU laws and overseeing their implementation. president are skipping the meeting.3
In the background, Donald TrumpAn American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020. He is running to be president again in 2024. has been elected in America, promising to "drill, baby, drill". There are also floods in Spain, droughts in Africa and forecasts that 2024 will be the hottest year on record.4
But here are five reasons for hope:
Despite the good news, climate activists are still concerned. According to respected scientist Simon Lewis: "Increasingly deadly climate impacts will escalate. It's as simple as that."10
The majority of countries - including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands and Spain - are struggling to meet their climate commitments.11 This is partly due to rising costs, and partly due to a political backlash among voters.
At times it looks like for every piece of good news, there are many more pieces of bad news. Others insist that giving up and accepting defeat is not an option. Nobody can fix the environmental damage already done - but the future of the planet has yet to be decided.
Is there still time to reverse the climate crisis?
Yes: From the boom in renewable energy, to the uptake of ZEVs and growing levels of environmental awareness, there are plenty of reasons to think we can solve the climate crisis.
No: World leaders do not have the courage or conviction to tackle climate change. Despite all their meetings and conferences, the environment continues to degrade.
Or... A defeatist attitude will never save the planet. Yes, the situation is serious, but climate campaigners have to find a positive message for the future.
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Keywords
Azerbaijan - A former Soviet Republic between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus mountains.
COP - The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29.
Developing countries - A country that is not yet highly industrialised. For example, Jordan, with a population of 10.7 million, is host to over 2.9 million refugees
Greenhouse gas - Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases.
Investment - When you put money into a project or idea in the hope it will be successful in the future.
European Commission - The executive body of the EU, responsible for suggesting new EU laws and overseeing their implementation.
Donald Trump - An American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020. He is running to be president again in 2024.
Renewable - Energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
ZEV - Zero emission vehicles.
Just Stop Oil - A UK environmental activist group which uses direct action to protest against fossil fuel production.
Millennials - People who reached adulthood in the early 21st Century.
Gen Z - Short for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Five great ways to save Planet Earth
Recipe for success: Statistics from the National Lottery Community Fund find that while more than half (56%) of UK adults are worried about the impact of climate change on their community, 64% still believe in the power of individual action. Glossary
Azerbaijan - A former Soviet Republic between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus mountains.
COP - The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29.
Developing countries - A country that is not yet highly industrialised. For example, Jordan, with a population of 10.7 million, is host to over 2.9 million refugees
Greenhouse gas - Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and water vapour are all greenhouse gases.
Investment - When you put money into a project or idea in the hope it will be successful in the future.
European Commission - The executive body of the EU, responsible for suggesting new EU laws and overseeing their implementation.
Donald Trump - An American television personality who became US president from 2016 to 2020. He is running to be president again in 2024.
Renewable - Energy sources, such as wind and solar power.
ZEV - Zero emission vehicles.
Just Stop Oil - A UK environmental activist group which uses direct action to protest against fossil fuel production.
Millennials - People who reached adulthood in the early 21st Century.
Gen Z - Short for Generation Z, meaning people born in the late 1990s and early 2000s.