2024: The Record-Breaking Year and the Urgency for Action

Today, November 11, 2024, COP29 begins in Baku, Azerbaijan, in an alarming context: the World Meteorological Organization has declared that this year will be the warmest ever recorded, exceeding for the first time the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. This announcement is not just one more in a long list of warnings about climate change; it is a cry for help that demands our attention and immediate action.

A Limit Exceeded

Exceeding the 1.5 degree Celsius barrier is not simply a figure in a report; it represents a point of no return. This limit, established in the Paris Agreement, is considered crucial to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Exceeding it means that extreme weather events, such as devastating hurricanes, prolonged droughts and catastrophic floods, will become increasingly common and severe. The recent DANA that devastated the Valencian Community, causing significant human and material losses, is a clear example of the tangible consequences of this global warming.

The Need for Climate Finance

At this summit, one of the central issues will be climate finance. Developing countries need support to adapt to the effects of climate change and reduce their emissions. However, pledges have been insufficient and action even slower. The question we must ask ourselves is: are we willing to prioritize the well-being of the planet over our immediate interests? The answer to this question will define our future.

A Call for Reflection

As world leaders gather to discuss solutions, it is critical that each of us reflect on our role in this crisis. What changes can we implement in our daily lives to contribute to a more sustainable future? From reducing our energy consumption to opting for greener modes of transportation, our individual actions are crucial.

Hope in Collective Action

As we move forward at this summit, let us remember that climate change is not just an environmental problem; it is an issue of social, economic and political justice. Fighting climate change requires a collective and urgent effort. History will judge us by how we responded to this crisis.

In conclusion, 2024 will not only be remembered as the warmest year; it must also be the year we decided to act with courage and determination. COP29 is an opportunity to transform our concern into action and ensure a livable future for generations to come. The question is no longer whether we can change; it is whether we will choose to do so.