By Dare Akogun
United Nations executive climate Secretary Simon Stiell, has warned that humanity has only two years to make significant changes to avoid catastrophic impacts from heat-trapping emissions.
Speaking at Chatham House in London, Stiell emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying that action within the next two years is crucial.
Governments worldwide face a 2025 deadline to implement new and stronger plans to reduce carbon pollution.
With nearly half the world’s population voting in elections this year and significant global finance meetings later this month in Washington, the time for decisive action is now, according to Stiell.
Stiell stressed that climate action is a collective responsibility, not just for the powerful.
“Every person on this planet has two years to save the world,” he stated. People are increasingly demanding climate action as they feel the effects of the climate crisis in their daily lives and finances.
Crop-destroying droughts highlight the need for bolder action to curb emissions and help farmers adapt, which could boost food security and reduce hunger.
Stiell added that reducing fossil fuel pollution would lead to better health and significant savings for both governments and households.
However, some are skeptical of such warnings. Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer described the “two years to save the world” rhetoric as potentially counterproductive.
Meanwhile, carbon dioxide and methane levels in the atmosphere reached record highs last year, with global temperature monitoring groups confirming that 2023 was the hottest year on record.
Stiell cautioned that continued emissions of carbon dioxide and methane from coal, oil, and natural gas will exacerbate existing inequalities between rich and poor countries and communities, further aggravated by climate change.
