Climate action is on the cusp of exponential growth | Simon Stiell
Aug 3, 2023
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Simon Stiell, Head of the UNFCCC, discusses the exponential growth of climate action and the need for change to prevent catastrophic impacts. He highlights progress in electric vehicle sales and solar energy installations, projecting a significant rise in gigawatts per year by 2030. Urgency is emphasized, urging individuals to contribute to climate action and halve global emissions in less than seven years.
Climate action has the potential for exponential growth, similar to past technological revolutions, and examples include the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and solar energy.
Public opinion plays a crucial role in driving climate action, and individuals can make a difference by engaging with representatives, choosing greener alternatives, and mobilizing others.
Deep dives
Exponential Change in Climate Action
Change in climate action has the potential to shift from a linear pace to an exponential one, similar to past technological revolutions. Just as mobile phone texting initially seemed impractical but later became a ubiquitous form of communication, climate action has the potential for rapid growth. Examples of this include the increasing adoption of electric vehicles and solar energy, which have seen significant increases in installation rates. However, time is of the essence, as there is a limited timeframe to halve global emissions and limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The speaker emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in driving change, debunking the notion that individuals lack the power to make a difference.
The Power of Individuals in Climate Action
The speaker highlights the role of public opinion in driving climate action and urges individuals to take action. Drawing from their experiences campaigning against apartheid, the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of collective action. Directly engaging with representatives, questioning their plans and voicing concerns can lead to position changes on climate issues. The speaker encourages individuals to evaluate their own choices, opt for greener alternatives, and educate and mobilize others. They emphasize that anyone, regardless of their profession or status, can make a significant contribution to climate action by applying their skills and passions to address the crisis.
Climate action is speeding up -- and we each have the power to push that transformation forward. As the head of the UNFCCC, the UN's entity supporting the global response to climate change, Simon Stiell points to clear social and technological signals that show we're at the tipping points of a green revolution -- and invites us all to apply our unique skills to defending the planet against the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis.