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 fuelsFuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming..1 But now leaders from 100 countries are gathering in Baku for the 2024 COPThe annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29. climate talks.
Not everything has gone smoothly. 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 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.3
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."9 The majority of countries - including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain - are struggling to meet their climate commitments.10
Even so, activists insist that giving up 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 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 defeatistBelieving that something is doomed to fail. 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.
Fossil fuels - Fuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming.
COP - The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29.
Investment - When you put money into a project or idea in the hope it will be successful in the future.
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.
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.
Defeatist - Believing that something is doomed to fail.
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.
Fossil fuels - Fuels made from decomposing plants and animals, including coal, natural gas and oil. These fuels release carbon dioxide, causing global warming.
COP - The annual United Nations Climate Change Conference (known as the Conference of the Parties). In 2024, it is COP29.
Investment - When you put money into a project or idea in the hope it will be successful in the future.
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.
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.
Defeatist - Believing that something is doomed to fail.