The world is facing a big challenge with climate change. Our goal is to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, but this target is becoming harder to achieve. In 2024, the global temperature already went above 1.5°C, and this is a sign that we are entering a period of high risks. Jim Skea, the leader of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), says that keeping the temperature increase to 1.5°C is still possible, but it is getting harder every day.

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World Sustainable Development Summit 2025

The World Sustainable Development Summit 2025 was also a major platform for international discussions among experts and leaders for combating climate crisis challenges. It underscored the urgency for countries to act fast and collaborate to counter pollution and provide solutions for the most vulnerable groups affected by climate change.

• The summit focused on how we can protect our planet from the worst effects of climate change and how we can build a future where people and nature thrive together.
• It also stressed that it’s important to have fairness in climate actions. Richer countries need to help poorer ones by providing money and technology to fight climate change.

Key Highlights of the World Sustainable Development Summit 2025

At the summit, several important points were discussed that will help guide the world in the fight against climate change:

• Climate Justice and Fairness: Richer countries should keep their promise to help poorer countries fight climate change. Poor countries need financial support to deal with climate problems like floods and droughts.
• New Technologies: Experts have finally spoken about utilizing new technologies such as solar and wind energy for pollution control. Clean power contributes toward combating climate change.
• Youth and Community Action: Young people and communities also play important roles in climate action. They can raise awareness, cause governments to act, and develop local solutions to environmental problems.
• The Need for Faster Action: Everybody agrees: Speed is of the essence. Climate change is happening, and we can no longer afford to wait to make changes.

Read the article on the World Climate and Climate Change!

Many developing countries are struggling to meet their climate goals. These countries often do not have the money or resources to take big climate actions, even though they are the ones who are most affected by climate change.

• Vulnerability to Climate Change: Developing countries like those in Africa and small island nations are facing severe effects like floods, droughts, and storms. These disasters can hurt their people and economies the most.
• Lack of Money: These countries need money to fight climate change and build resilience, but many of them are not receiving the financial help promised by richer countries.
• Limited Technology: Developing nations often do not have the advanced technology needed to switch to cleaner energy, like solar and wind power. This makes it harder for them to cut down on pollution.
• Balancing Growth and Pollution: As these countries grow their economies, they also increase pollution. It's difficult for them to reduce pollution while still growing their industries and creating jobs for their people.

Read the article on India's Fight Against Global Warming!

Implications of Failing to Achieve the Target of Limiting Global Warming to 1.5°C

If the world fails to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the consequences could be severe. Many parts of the planet will suffer from the effects of climate change.

• More Extreme Weather: We could face more heatwaves, heavy rainstorms, floods, and droughts. These events would harm people’s lives, property, and food sources.
• Loss of Animals and Plants: If the temperature keeps rising, many species of animals and plants may go extinct because they can’t survive in the new conditions.
• Food and Water Shortages: Climate change can affect farming, making it harder to grow food. Water shortages could also become a big problem, especially in dry areas.
• More Homelessness: Rising sea levels and natural disasters will force people in certain areas to leave their homes. This could lead to more people living in poverty and in unsafe conditions.

Read the article on the National Action Plan on Climate Change!

Measures India Can Take to Mitigate Climate Risks

India is a large country with a growing population and economy. It also has a big role to play in stopping climate change. India faces challenges, but it also has many opportunities to help fight climate change.

• Using More Clean Energy: India is making progress in using renewable energy like solar and wind power. Continuing to invest in these energy sources will reduce pollution and help fight climate change.
• Saving Energy: India can also reduce energy use by using more energy-efficient technologies in buildings, vehicles, and industries. For example, using electric cars instead of gasoline-powered ones can help reduce pollution.
• Improving Farming: Since many people in India depend on farming, it is important to use techniques that can handle extreme weather. This means using better seeds, water-saving methods, and sustainable farming practices.
• Saving Water: Water is very important for India, so the country needs to conserve water, especially in places where there is not much rain.
• Building Stronger Infrastructure: India can build stronger buildings and better disaster warning systems to protect people from extreme weather like floods, heatwaves, and storms.

Read the article on the NITI Aayog's Sustainable Development Goals Report!

Climate change is an international issue that no nation can face alone. No country can combat climate change independently, and all countries must come together to save the planet.

• Helping Each Other with Money: Richer countries must keep their promises to help poorer countries by giving them financial support to fight climate change. This includes building clean energy systems and adapting to new weather patterns.
• Sharing Technology: Rich countries also need to share their new technologies, like solar panels or electric cars, with developing nations to help them cut down on pollution.
• Working Together Globally: Countries must work together through international organizations like the UN to make sure that everyone is doing their part to fight climate change.
• Private Companies Can Help Too: Businesses also have a big role to play. They can create clean energy technologies, invest in green solutions, and help reduce pollution in industries.

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UPSC Mains Previous Year Question

UPSC Practice Question

The global aspiration to limit warming to 1.5°C is now hanging by a slender thread. Analyze the implications of this statement and the necessary actions to avert a climate catastrophe.