The Global Climate Change Conference (COP24) is underway, sparking intense debate and scrutiny. The reality of climate change is no longer a point of contention, but its causes and potential remedies remain hotly disputed. This initiative, vital to the planet's future, comes with significant costs—not just financial, but in terms of long-term safety.
This year’s conference location caught me by surprise. Baku, Azerbaijan, a city I visited five years ago, is hosting the event. While modern and striking, Baku is a major producer of oil and natural gas, generating over 600,000 barrels daily. Choosing a venue synonymous with fossil fuels, raises questions about its symbolism in a fight for climate action.
The guest list is equally curious. Among the world's worst polluters, China and Russia have sent some of the largest delegations, with 960 and 900 representatives, respectively. 370 Attendees represent Canada, and the United States has 464, despite plans to withdraw from the Climate Agreement established in 2017. The overall attendance exceeds 17,500, including unlikely participants like North Korea and the Taliban. Such inclusions leave one to wonder how these conversations might translate into meaningful change.
The 2015 Paris Agreement sought to limit global warming to 1.5°C, yet recent data paints a troubling picture. Global temperatures reached record highs in 2023, with 2024 already seeing averages 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels. Without decisive action, projections estimate a rise between 2.5°C and 4.5°C by the end of the century. These numbers highlight the urgency, as incremental increases in temperature worsen risks and impacts.
Rising temperatures bring more frequent and severe events, such as floods, storms, heat waves, and wildfires. Crops struggle to thrive, triggering food shortages, while health concerns such as respiratory issues and the spread of diseases grow. Millions are already displaced by rising seas and extreme weather, and these trends show no signs of slowing.
The economic ripple effects are undeniable. Inflation, wage demands, and escalating costs create a cycle that affects everyone. While opinions on causes and solutions differ, the undeniable rise in global temperatures is a stark reminder that action is needed. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: time is running out to secure a safer future for the planet.
Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. His show, ‘The Jonathan van Bilsen Show’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube, features many of the people included in this column.
Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘Jonathan van Bilsen’s photosNtravel’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube.