Despite urgent calls for action, many of the world's biggest emitters are not meeting their climate goals. Countries like China, the US, and the EU have submitted plans that fall short of what’s needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. With COP30 in Brazil approaching, questions are mounting about why progress is slow and what can be done to accelerate change. Below, we explore the main obstacles, what to expect at the upcoming summit, and how major nations are contributing to or hindering climate efforts.
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Why are global climate commitments falling short?
Many countries have submitted weak or delayed climate plans, often due to political, economic, or social challenges. The US has rolled back some policies, while China and the EU face internal debates and anti-climate populism. Despite record investments in renewables, global efforts are insufficient to meet the Paris Agreement targets, mainly because of lack of strong, enforceable commitments from key nations.
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What are the main obstacles to meeting the 1.5°C target?
Major obstacles include political resistance, economic dependencies on fossil fuels, and insufficient international cooperation. Many countries prioritize short-term economic growth over climate action, and political shifts can delay or weaken commitments. Additionally, global emissions remain high, and current policies are not enough to curb warming to safe levels.
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What can be expected at COP30 in Brazil?
COP30 is seen as a critical summit where nations are expected to strengthen their climate commitments. However, expectations are cautious, as many countries have yet to submit stronger plans. The summit will focus on increasing ambition, addressing financial support for developing nations, and finding ways to implement existing agreements more effectively.
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How are major countries like the US, China, and the EU contributing to climate goals?
China is leading in renewable energy investments and has set ambitious targets for reducing emissions. The EU has made significant progress with policies promoting clean energy, but faces political challenges. The US has shown mixed results, with some rollbacks on climate policies but also record investments in green technology. Overall, their contributions are vital but still fall short of what’s needed for global climate stability.
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What happens if countries don’t meet their climate commitments?
If nations fail to meet their commitments, global warming could accelerate beyond 1.5°C, leading to more extreme weather, rising sea levels, and ecological damage. It also undermines international trust and the effectiveness of climate agreements, making future cooperation more difficult. Urgent, stronger action is needed to prevent these worst-case scenarios.