From Words to Action: Exploring 2024's Defining Climate Trends

When Mark Twain said - "Action speaks louder than words," he was quite sure about saying it for most of our actions that are really meant for doing, and not just for saying. In this competitive world, it is crucial to take some action for betterment in order to stand out from others.

One such area is climate action, which, though delayed by a couple of decades, in recent years has transformed from a niche discussion into a global priority. The climate crisis is no longer a distant cloud on the horizon - it's real, and it's rewriting the script for our planet's future. With each passing day, the consequences of climate change become more apparent - rising sea levels, melting glaciers, extreme weather events, loss of biodiversity and climate refugees.

From revolutionary breakthroughs in technology to radical shifts in policy and mindset, this decade is witnessing a revival in how we tackle this existential challenge. This has prompted urgent action from governments, corporations, and civil society. Have you pondered over the source of these winds of change? What are the new trends that are defining to handle the challenge of climate change?

We are moving ahead with cutting-edge movements that are not only changing the landscape of climate action but are also paving the way for a future, where nature and humanity thrive in harmony. As we stand on the brink of 2024, the following trends shaping climate action today are becoming the blueprint for tomorrow's sustainable world.

Net Zero Commitments - The Global Unity towards a Carbon Neutral Future

One of the most significant trends in climate action is the global push toward net-zero emissions. Governments and businesses globally are setting ambitious targets to reach net-zero by mid-century, aligning with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degree celsius above pre-industrial levels.

According to the Climate Action Tracker, as of November 2023, over 145 countries, including major economies like the United States and the European Union, have committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, while China set 2060 and India 2070 as their target years. Over 5000 businesses across regions and industries have set science-based targets through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), reflecting the growing recognition of the need to reduce carbon footprints.

Image Courtesy: The Conversation

However, despite a lot of measures and planning to curb the challenges of climate change, the recent global stocktake has made it evident that the world still lags way behind in achieving its climate targets, signalling the need for urgent and amplified action.

The evaluations, conducted as a part of COP 28, highlighted that despite increased climate pledges and policies, global temperatures are on track to rise up by up to 3°C (5.4°F) by the end of this century if current policies persist. This is significantly above the target of limiting warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F) set by the Paris Agreement.

We, as a united world, are yet to reach the climate action goals that we have been talking about; the real action is yet to be worked upon. For that, we need to understand the urgency of better implementation of other practices that can help in climate action.

Nature Based Solutions - The Power of Ecosystem Restoration

One of the keys to fighting climate change is hidden in our forests, oceans, wetlands that have been neglected for so long. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are gaining traction as one of the most effective ways to combat global warming while also preserving biodiversity.

These solutions leverage the power of ecosystems as natural carbon sinks to restore balance to natural systems and protect communities from the impacts of climate change. Tree planting campaigns, wetland restoration projects, and marine conservation initiatives are sprouting up across the globe as governments and corporations recognise the dual benefits - mitigating carbon and enhancing the biodiversity.

Efforts from nature-based solutions are contributing not only to carbon sequestration but also to job creation, rural development, and wildlife protection. This multifaceted approach to climate action is proving that sustainability can go hand-in-hand with socioeconomic growth.

For example, Amrut Nature Solutions invests in offsets and the generation of potential projects in nature-based solutions by working on restoration, conservation, and enhancement of natural ecosystems including forests, agriculture, grasslands, wetlands, and blue carbon to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by tapping the abundant potential of the nature.

Green Hydrogen - Manifesting a Carbon-Free Future

In the quest for clean energy, green hydrogen has emerged as the dark horse of the race. Unlike traditional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels, green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using energy sources like wind and solar. The result? A carbon-free fuel that can power industries, transport, and even entire cities.

In 2024, we are experiencing massive investments in green hydrogen infrastructure, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Governments are betting big on hydrogen as a cornerstone of a net-zero future, with countries like China and Saudi Arabia leading the charge. The potential of green hydrogen lies in its versatility, as it can store excess renewable energy, decarbonise heavy industries like steel and cement, and fuel transportation networks.

As hydrogen technology becomes more cost-competitive, its adoption will accelerate, opening new doors to a truly carbon-free energy system.

Technological Innovation - The Optimism for Future

As the climate crisis escalates, so does the demand for technological innovation. From carbon capture and storage to electric aviation, the green tech revolution is opening new frontiers in the fight against climate change.

One of the most significant innovations is the scaling up of direct air capture (DAC) technology, that pulls and throws the CO2 directly out of the atmosphere. While still in its nascent stages, DAC has the potential to play a significant role in achieving negative emissions. Meanwhile, advancements in battery storage are making renewable energy more reliable and accessible than ever before.

Electric aviation, though still in its infancy, is gaining a lot of traction as companies develop short-range electric planes that could one day revolutionise air travel, drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.

Climate Resilience - Adapting to a Changing World

While mitigation efforts are essential, the reality is that some degree of GHG emissions are inevitable. Rising temperatures, more intense storms, and continually shifting weather patterns are already impacting communities worldwide. In response, the focus on climate resilience, which is helping societies adapt to and thrive amidst these changes - is growing.

Many cities around the globe are increasingly looking to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, from flood defenses and heat-resistant buildings to green spaces that cool urban areas and absorb excess rainwater. In the Global South, where climate impacts are often the hardest, resilience projects are creating stronger, more adaptive communities with the help of carbon financing mechanisms. Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are adopting climate-smart agriculture practices that help them cope with droughts, floods and unpredictable weather patterns.

Corporate Climate Leadership - Beyond Net-Zero Promises

It's no longer enough for companies to pledge "net zero by 2050". There has been increasing pressure for businesses to walk the talk, providing clear roadmaps and transparent reporting on their sustainability goals. Corporate climate leadership is evolving from feel-good commitments to tangible, science-based action plans, and carbon markets are helping them carve a sustainable path.

Major corporations including Microsoft, Google, and IKEA are not just focusing on reducing emissions within their operations but are also addressing the carbon footprints of their entire value chains. Supply chain emissions, often referred to as Scope 3 emissions, account for the majority of many companies' carbon footprints. Tackling this requires collaboration with suppliers, innovation in product design, and smarter resource management.

Apart from these initiatives, Environmental, Social and Governanvce (ESG) frameworks are gaining prominence in the corporate world, with investors demanding greater accountability on climate performance. Companies that fail to align with these expectations risk not only reputational damage but also financial losses as capital flows increasingly toward sustainable businesses, which is what drives the corporate accountability.

What Does the Future Hold for Climate Action?

The trends in climate action reveal a world that is increasingly aware of the urgent need to address climate change. From net-zero commitments and renewable energy expansion to corporate responsibility and grassroot movements, every sector of society is being mobilised in the fight for a sustainable future.

While significant challenges remain, the innovations and collaborations taking place today offer hope that we can avert the worst effects of climate change and build a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable world. As the winds of change continue to blow, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine the trajectory of our planet's future.