Assessment of actions undertaken

In the vanguard of the Earth's defense, many players - be they governments, non-governmental organizations or even private companies - have embarked on a green crusade, charting a course towards a more environmentally-friendly future. The successes, though drowned in a sea of challenges, are indisputable and deserve to be celebrated.

Did you know? Global warming was the catalyst for an international language of environmental defense. It gave rise to the historic Paris Agreements, in which 189 countries pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and counter climate peril. Of these nations, 127 not only signed these pledges, but also put in place concrete measures to meet their targets.

Another notable achievement is the unexpected boom in renewable energies. In recent years, solar and wind power have proved not only viable, but often more economical than their non-renewable counterparts. In countries such as China and the USA, we are witnessing a boom in green infrastructure, a sign of an energy paradigm shift.

This realignment of our energy system is boosted by fascinating technological advances. These include improved batteries for storing wind and solar energy, and electric vehicles that are changing our approach to mobility while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

Handicapped by a belated awareness, our planet's health is slowly improving thanks to the restoration of ecosystems. From reforestation initiatives to coral reef restoration projects, nature is showing its resilience with the right helping hand.

However, it's not all glory and greenwashing. It's crucial to be pragmatically realistic, and to recognize that these successes are the beginnings of a journey yet to be completed. With a collaborative spirit and unwavering respect for Mother Nature, we have the power to turn these precious victories into a sustainable trend for the benefit of all life forms.

As the world focuses on adopting environmentally friendly and sustainable practices, major and complex continental challenges remain. First and foremost, extreme climate volatility continues to hamper our ability to predict, manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Global warming, characterized by steadily rising land and sea temperatures, is proving to be a major obstacle to environmental stability. Melting ice at the poles is raising sea levels, causing flooding and meteorological disturbances. Droughts, more virulent hurricanes and forest fires are increasing in frequency and intensity, damaging biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.

At the same time, deforestation and biodiversity loss are sabotaging efforts to achieve sustainability. Forests absorb massive quantities of carbon dioxide, playing a crucial role in controlling the greenhouse effect. Their loss releases huge quantities of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, exacerbating the problem of global warming.

In addition, the issue of waste disposal, particularly plastic waste, poses a difficult challenge. Their slow decomposition causes significant environmental damage, affecting both marine and terrestrial fauna. Yet their use continues to be widespread, despite the more environmentally-friendly alternatives available.

There are clear indications that we are not yet on track to limit global warming to well below 2°C. Indeed, current commitments by countries to reduce emissions are far from sufficient, and action needs to be stepped up.

The fight against global warming and sustainable development is a gigantic undertaking, requiring unprecedented cooperation. They are, without doubt, the great challenge of our generation, a challenge we cannot afford to fail in.

The race against global warming is far from over. International bodies and scientists are working tirelessly to assess the impact of human activities on the climate. Thanks to these rigorous assessments, we are getting closer and closer to an indisputable truth: time is running out and every action counts.

IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has become a benchmark for climate reporting. Its publications are rigorous, highlighting observed changes in the climate, identifying their causes and predicting their potential effects. The latest IPCC report underlines the urgency of limiting global warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, a critical threshold beyond which the effects could be devastating.

However, the reports are not just gloomy premonitions. They point the way to avoiding the worst-case climate scenario. They advocate sustainable solutions, which require a radical change in the way we produce and consume energy. The transition to renewable energy sources, reduced energy consumption and more sustainable lifestyles are clearly advocated.

Alongside the IPCC's work, there are a multitude of regional, national and local assessments. These reports focus on specific impacts and propose solutions adapted to local conditions.

Sustainability lies at the heart of these solutions. The notion of sustainable development is not new: it refers to a mode of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of global warming, sustainable development is an essential mitigation measure.

To achieve this, all sectors must harmonize their activities with the limits of our planet. This means a new, holistic approach, where economy, society, environment and politics share a common vision of a healthy, sustainable future. In this respect, the climate assessment reports deliver recommendations that go beyond mere technology or regulation, advocating a global transformation of our socio-economic systems.

In the light of these reports, we are called upon to act, now. Every day that passes is a missed opportunity to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and build a sustainable future. Climate assessments and reports should therefore be seen not as dire predictions, but as calls to action for the sustainable development and prosperity of all life on our one and only Earth.

In the face of global warming, every country on the planet is called upon to take concrete action. This global environmental dilemma calls for collective action, which depends on the awareness and initiative of each individual country.

Europe is taking centre stage with its ambitious targets: to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared with 1990 levels, by moving towards 'zero carbon'. To this end, initiatives such as the European Green Accord give concrete expression to this commitment. This multi-directional program includes massive investments in renewable energies, digital transformation and recycling, among others.

On the U.S. side, the recent recommitment to the Paris Agreement means progress in the fight against global warming. On board, President Biden has initiated an investment plan for clean infrastructure and energy jobs. This aims to create millions of sustainable jobs while reducing environmental impact.

Asia, unfortunately notorious for its air pollution, is redoubling its efforts to meet this challenge. China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases, has presented a bold program to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. India, meanwhile, is investing heavily in solar energy to diversify its energy mix.

In Latin America, countries are gradually strengthening their position in favor of the climate. Costa Rica is a fine example of a successful energy transition, operating with over 98% renewable energy. Argentina, meanwhile, has a national climate plan aimed at reducing its emissions by 15%.

This global guerrilla war against global warming is a never-ending race. It is gratifying to note that steps are being taken in the right direction. The road is still long and strewn with obstacles, but the commitment made by countries through their policies affirms that sustainable development is more than just a slogan, it is a vital necessity for the future of our planet.

As the global thermometer climbs, more and more voices are being raised to force governments and industries to act. In our cities and across the planet, civil society is playing a decisive role in the fight against global warming and the promotion of sustainable development.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, businesses and individuals are all mobilizing, in their own way, to tackle this unprecedented environmental crisis. From the Global Climate Strike, initiated by the young Swede Greta Thunberg, to local recycling and waste reduction initiatives, the commitment is global.

Take the NGO Greenpeace, for example. It has been particularly vocal in denouncing polluting industries and calling for a rapid transition to renewable energies. To convince the public and leaders to act, it relies on scientific evidence and large-scale awareness-raising campaigns.

The Extinction Rebellion movement, on the other hand, has chosen a more radical approach. Through a series of non-violent protests, it seeks to draw attention to the climate emergency. Despite the arrests, participants are determined to continue their actions until their demands are met. They are calling on governments to recognize the seriousness of the crisis, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2025, and to create a citizens' assembly to oversee the process.

Ordinary citizens are also seeking to play their part in the fight against climate change. Whether it's taking part in neighborhood clean-ups, adhering to diets less dependent on intensive agriculture, or adopting more sustainable transport solutions, there is a general awareness of the need to adopt a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle to ensure the survival of our planet.

Collective action has shown that it has the power to change the world. Together, from ordinary citizens to the largest NGOs, we all have a role to play in the fight against global warming.