Tracking climate change progress: A guide to global and local efforts

Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of humanity, driven by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes that release greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.  The effects are increasingly evident: rising global temperatures, more frequent extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and the melting of polar ice. To prevent or at least reduce catastrophic impacts, it's crucial to make significant climate change progress. This involves collective action by governments, businesses, and individuals. Actions like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing waste and meat consumption as well as supporting renewable energy initiatives can make a measurable difference in combating climate change. Check out our previous article on climate change solutions if you would like to learn more.

Worldwide Climate Change Progress

Countries across the globe have been working towards climate change mitigation through frameworks such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C, preferably to 1.5°C, compared to pre-industrial levels. While there has been some climate change progress by countries, many nations are not yet on track to meet these critical targets.

For instance, according to a 2023 assessment by the World Resources Institute (WRI, 2023), only a handful of countries have made significant strides toward their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The UK and the EU have formulated more ambitious carbon reduction targets, whereas others have committed to further NDC revisions by 2025.

While some countries are taking bold actions, many more must increase their commitment to see meaningful global climate change progress. The pressing question remains: Are countries on track to meet their net zero targets? In many cases, progress is slower than needed, though recent developments in renewable energy, decarbonization, and sustainability reporting show promising trends.

How can countries make climate change progress?

Achieving meaningful progress requires an integrated approach, which includes several key strategies.

Decarbonization is at the core of every effective climate action plan, involving the reduction of GHG emissions through cleaner energy production and technological innovations. Moving away from fossil fuels like coal and reducing reliance on fossil fuel power plants is essential for this transition and helps mitigate long-term environmental risks. By focusing on renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower, countries can ensure a safer, more sustainable future. A switch to sustainable transport, such as electric vehicles (EVs), improved public transportation systems, and greener fuels, also plays a vital role in reducing emissions, especially in urban areas.

Accurately tracking emissions is fundamental to achieving climate goals. By streamlining data collection and reporting across Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, companies and governments can monitor their environmental impact with greater precision. A robust system for emissions tracking not only improves transparency but also helps identify areas for improvement, driving real climate change progress. For a deeper dive into effective strategies for measuring emissions and the importance of accurate reporting, explore our detailed guide on Scope 1, 2, and 3 Carbon Emissions.

International alignment on frameworks and regulations is also crucial for driving climate change progress. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 by 196 countries, is a landmark global effort aimed at limiting global warming to well below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This agreement encourages nations to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)outlining their climate action goals. The Paris Agreement also fosters transparency and accountability, requiring countries to regularly report their emissions and progress, promoting shared frameworks for measuring and reducing emissions across borders (UNFCCC).

Let’s look at a few examples of countries making positive climate change progress

While some nations have struggled to meet their targets, others are emerging as leaders in climate action. Here are a few positive examples:

• Morocco has been a pioneer in North Africa, having lifted all subsidies on diesel and gas to reduce fossil fuel consumption. The country is also investing heavily in solar power, positioning itself as a renewable energy leader in the region.
• India has set a bold target to generate 40% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The country’s solar energy capacity is growing rapidly, contributing significantly to its overall emissions reduction strategy.
• Sweden continues to lead by example, with initiatives  like building ‘eco-quarters’ in its cities. These quarters, developed on old industrial sites, are now sustainable urban areas with eco-friendly homes, demonstrating how urban development can support climate change progress

These countries are just a few examples of how nations can leverage innovative policies, renewable energy investments, and strategic partnerships to drive climate change progress. Their successes serve as models for other countries seeking to achieve their own sustainability goals.

How is Singapore’s climate change progress doing in 2024?

Despite its relatively small size, Singapore has emerged as a potential leader in climate change progress, setting an example with a well-coordinated climate strategy. The government has launched key initiatives to reduce emissions, promote sustainability, and build resilience against the growing threat of climate change.

A cornerstone of Singapore’s strategy is its Climate Action Plan, which outlines a comprehensive approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promoting a circular economy. Singapore’s commitment to lowering emissions includes both adaptation and mitigation strategies that involve the public and private sectors.

One of the standout initiatives is the Green Finance Action Plan, spearheaded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). This plan encourages sustainable finance, offering incentives for green investments and driving private sector involvement in environmental sustainability. By facilitating access to sustainable funding, Singapore ensures that climate solutions are backed by the necessary financial support, helping to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The country has also introduced the Zero Waste Masterplan, which aims to move Singapore toward a circular economy by reducing waste generation, improving recycling rates, and optimizing resource use. This initiative supports the country’s commitment to sustainable development by promoting efficient resource management and minimizing environmental impact.

In terms of adapting to climate change, Singapore has implemented the innovative Source-Pathway-Receptor approach to manage urban flooding. This forward-thinking system tackles climate resilience by addressing the root causes and pathways of flooding, ensuring that Singapore can withstand the impacts of rising sea levels and intense rainfall.

Singapore’s Carbon Tax, introduced in 2019, is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia and applies to large emitters. It encourages companies to reduce emissions by creating a financial incentive to adopt greener practices. Additionally, the country is rapidly expanding its solar energy capacity and exploring the potential of hydrogen energy as a long-term clean power solution. These steps are crucial as Singapore works toward its 2030 climate pledge, which includes transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

Singapore’s climate change progress demonstrates the city-state’s commitment to global sustainability efforts. Through a combination of forward-thinking policies, green finance, waste management, and clean energy initiatives, Singapore continues to be a model for other nations striving to meet their own climate goals. By adhering to its Climate Action Plan, Singapore is playing a pivotal role in global climate change progress by country, setting an example for future climate action, particularly as we approach climate change progress in 2024 and beyond. You can read more about Singapore’s sustainability efforts here.

Challenges in making climate change progress

Despite efforts undertaken, significant challenges remain in achieving meaningful climate change progress to maintain Earth as a habitable planet for humanity. These challenges include how to make a quicker transition away from fossil fuels like coal to cleaner alternatives, overcoming political resistance, and ensuring global cooperation. Without intensified action, humanity faces severe consequences such as food shortages, loss of habitable land due to rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss, making it increasingly difficult to sustain life on Earth as we know it. Many countries struggle with insufficient infrastructure, limited financial capacity, and political or societal resistance, hindering their ability to transition to low-carbon economies. Developing nations, in particular, face difficulties securing the necessary resources to implement large-scale climate initiatives. Furthermore, while international frameworks like the Paris Agreement set a crucial foundation, global progress remains uneven, with some countries lagging in meeting their commitments.

A persistent challenge is accurate emissions tracking, especially for Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Countries and businesses often lack the technology and systems needed to precisely monitor and report their emissions, which is crucial for adjusting strategies and meeting targets. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), the inability to measure emissions accurately continues to slow climate change progress by country. Even more advanced nations face difficulty tracking and reporting indirect emissions along supply chains.

Additionally, the geopolitical landscape complicates progress. Countries reliant on fossil fuel exports may resist shifting towards cleaner energy sources, while others face pressure from industries opposing decarbonization efforts. Societal factors, such as public opposition to certain climate policies, can also impede progress, creating a fragmented global response to climate change.

In conclusion, the path to achieving global climate change progress is long and complex, but key steps are being taken worldwide. From Morocco’s groundbreaking renewable energy initiatives to Singapore’s innovative Climate Action Plan, countries are showing the way forward. However, it’s clear that accelerated action is required, particularly in nations that are falling behind their climate commitments.

For ESG managers and sustainability consultants, staying informed about these global trends is critical. Accurate emissions tracking and innovative sustainability strategies are essential for driving climate action. Leveraging digital tools and platforms, like Zuno Carbon’s end-to-end ESG platform, will help organisations and countries measure, reduce, and report their emissions effectively. Staying aligned with global climate goals, as outlined in frameworks like the Paris Agreement, will ensure that progress continues.

If you’re ready to look into your organisation’s climate strategy and progress your sustainability efforts, book a call with our experts today to drive climate change progress in 2024 and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the current progress of climate change?

Climate change progress is being made, but at varying levels across countries. Many nations have set ambitious goals under the Paris Agreement, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to renewable energy. However, according to assessments, most countries are still falling short of meeting the necessary reductions to stay on track for limiting global warming to 2°C.

2. Are we on track to meet the 1.5°C global target?

Unfortunately, current climate change progress by country shows we are not on track to meet the 1.5°C target set by the Paris Agreement. According to the UN’s 2022Emissions Gap Report, global emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 to stay within this limit. However, we are still far behind, with most countries continuing to fall short of their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

At just 1.5°C of warming, the likelihood of irreversible impacts such as the collapse of critical ecosystems like coral reefs, accelerated polar ice melt, and more frequent extreme weather events increase drastically. Without immediate and bold action, we are facing a future marked by widespread environmental, economic, and social crises. In other words: we need to take action now.

3. How much will the climate change by 2050?

If climate change progress remains inadequate, global temperatures could rise by 2.7°C to 3.1°C by 2050! A temperature rise of this magnitude would have severe consequences for the planet and its inhabitants: extreme weather events like heatwaves, storms, and flooding would become more frequent and intense. Food and water shortages would worsen, threatening global food security, especially in vulnerable regions. Rising sea levels could displace millions of people, leading to mass migration and conflicts over shrinking resources. Entire species would face extinction, and vital ecosystems like coral reefs could collapse, further intensifying the biodiversity crisis. Moreover, densely populated coastal cities would experience heightened flooding risks, forcing governments to invest heavily in climate adaptation or relocation efforts. This scenario highlights the critical need for accelerated climate change progress and global cooperation to reduce emissions and prepare for climate impacts.