NatureClimateChange: "Current state of affairs." As climate change impacts are increasingly apparent, there are changes in society and the political landscape that need to be considered. Yes, yes, "heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures were in the headlines in May—South Asia experienced pre-monsoon high temperatures (up to 47°C = 118ºF in India), while Europe experienced peak summer temperatures before summer had officially arrived." But economic realities deserve attention as well.
"A recent synthesis report finds that macroeconomic effects are hard to quantify but are growing rapidly, with people in low- and lower-middle-income countries already 4–12% poorer in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita from temperature changes and sea-level rise, and projections of decreases in income for the average person [worldwide] of 3–15% by 2050." Numbers like this make the case for mitigation and adaption to minimize impacts, and it is important that governments act now to better prepare. "While nations all work on their own scale, international planning centres around the annual climate COP, held late in the year."
This year will see the first climate COP with 2 countries sharing responsibility of the presidency—Türkiye as the host nation, with the event being held in Antalya, and president-designate, while Australia takes the role of president of negotiations. "The nominated presidents have released a joint statement on their ambitions for the event, with a partnering of Australia with Pacific Island nations and the appointment of three Pacific Climate Envoys—these nations are at the forefront of climate impacts and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) were the driving force in the shift in ambition from limiting warming to 2°C to 1.5°C in the Paris negotiations."
In the last several yrs climate folks have moved toward a consensus that since the annual carbon emissions have continued to rise, sadly but inarguably I think we have to start planning for at least 2ºC of warming. For which we ought to thank fossil fuels for this.
