By Mahnoor Javed
Today, we confront one of the most daunting existential threats of our time, a warming planet that spares no corner of the Earth from its escalating impacts,” declared UN Secretary-General António Guterres in his remarks to the 2023 Climate Summit. Global attempts to address this catastrophe are centered on international institutions, especially the United Nations (UN), as global temperatures approach the dangerous threshold of 1.5°C over pre-industrial levels. The figures are alarming. The last eight years have been the warmest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization, with 2022 bringing with it previously unheard-of heat waves, floods, and wildfires. “The window for preventing irreversible damage is closing rapidly,” indicated the intergovernmental panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The ability of international institutions to bring nations together, mobilize resources, and guide policy direction is more important than ever in this high-stakes situation. During the historic 2015 COP21 meeting, former US President Barack Obama declared, “The Paris Agreement represents humanity’s collective resolve to confront climate change.” Ratified by 194 nations, this historic agreement seeks to keep global warming far below 2°C, with a target of 1.5°C. Nationally determined contributions (NDCs), which specify emission reduction goals, must be submitted by nations. However achieving these impressive goals has not been without its difficulties. Since its launch in 2010, the Green Climate Fund (GCF), which was created to support poor countries, has raised $11.4 billion. However, experts warn that this is far less than the projected $5.8 trillion needed yearly by 2030 to achieve global climate targets.1. Achievements of the UN’s Climate FrameworkInitiatives supported by the UN have made great strides in spite of budgetary limitations: The use of renewable energy has increased. Global renewable capacity reached 3,372 GW in 2022, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), which reflects the increasing use of wind and solar technologies.Because of the unprecedented degree of public awareness, businesses and governments are under pressure to implement sustainable practices. For example, digital behemoths like Microsoft and Google have pledged to become carbon neutral by 2030. Resilience-building initiatives have helped vulnerable areas. For example, Bangladesh has protected millions from rising sea levels by utilizing UN assistance to build strong flood walls. But the journey is still dangerous. “We are not on track,” acknowledged Patricia Espinosa, the former UNFCCC Executive Secretary. Progress is hampered by several issues; Inadequate Funding: Developed countries frequently fail to meet their financial commitments. According to a 2023 Oxfam assessment, “the promised $100 billion per year by 2020 remains elusive,” Absence of Enforcement Mechanisms: The Paris Agreement has made unequal progress since it relies on voluntary contributions. Even if the EU cut emissions by 31% between 1990 and 2020, big coal-dependent polluters like China and India are still criticized. Geopolitical Divides: Conflicts between developed and poor countries sometimes cause talks to stall. Developing nations make the case for further assistance by pointing to past emissions by developed ones. 2. Forgotten Lessons from HistoryAccording to environmental economist Ali Farid Khwaja, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a profound challenge to our economic and social systems.” The earth is currently plagued by the legacy of developed nations prioritizing expansion above sustainability.These disparities were highlighted in the Kyoto Protocol (1997), which was a forerunner to the Paris Agreement. Despite establishing legally enforceable goals for developed countries, its influence was lessened by the absence of powerful states like the US. “The failure to ensure equitable participation weakened global trust,” demonstrated by Khwaja.The UN’s strategies need to change as it gets ready for COP30 in 2025. Experts advise taking a number of actions: • Improved Financial Mechanisms: The Amundi Research Center proposed that “green bonds and carbon taxes could bridge the funding gap,” Richer countries also need to keep their current promises.• Global Accountability Frameworks: Peer evaluations and required reporting are two ways to guarantee that emission objectives are met. • Technological Cooperation: Global decarbonization may be accelerated by assisting emerging countries in acquiring green technology. • Inclusive Policymaking: The commercial sector, youth organizations, and Indigenous communities all provide insightful viewpoints. “Their voices must shape climate strategies,” Guterres said. • Regional Customization: While desert regions require water conservation methods, small island nations need rapid aid to resist sea level rise.3. A Test of Global UnityAccording to Guterres, “Climate change is the defining issue of our era,” without reservation. The UN’s function as a catalyst for collective action is vital as the globe rapidly approaches pivotal moments. Bridging gaps, keeping promises, and embracing innovation are essential for success. Never before have the stakes been so high. The cost of inactivity increases annually, endangering not just ecosystems but also the foundation of human society. To guarantee that the planet’s future is bright for future generations, international institutions such as the United Nations must step up to the challenge.
