Front Burner How the world abandoned climate politics
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Sep 30, 2025 
Journalist David Wallace-Wells, known for his critical exploration of climate change in "The Uninhabitable Earth," discusses the alarming retreat from climate politics globally. He delves into the waning influence of the Paris Agreement and the geopolitical backsliding affecting climate action. David explores China’s pivotal role in renewable energy and critiques Canada's recent policy shifts. He emphasizes the moral imperative of valuing nature beyond economics and the urgency of private sector initiatives despite political deprioritization.
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Paris Goals Versus Reality
- The Paris Agreement aimed to limit warming to well below 2°C and pursue 1.5°C to avoid catastrophic outcomes.
- Despite the ambition, we've already seen years above 1.5°C and likely cannot avoid 2°C without stronger action.
No Enforcement Built In
- The Paris treaty was legally adopted but lacked enforcement mechanisms to compel compliance.
- Its negotiators prioritized broad participation over punitive measures, which limited accountability.
When Protest Met Power
- The 2019–2020 climate protests combined youth energy and elite endorsement, elevating climate to existential politics.
- World leaders echoed activist urgency, making climate a top global priority briefly.
