Climate Change
CRISIS – Viability of Life on Earthby Gauri Sharma
Global Commons
Dec 30th 20249 minsAs 2024 comes to an end, Earth.Org highlights the most inspiring climate stories and events that emerged throughout the year. From groundbreaking initiatives in agriculture to landmark court victories, this year showcased the resilience and creativity of communities around the globe. Join us as we celebrate the top climate headlines that not only raised awareness but also ignited hope and action in the fight against climate change.—In a groundbreaking court ruling, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in May issued an advisory opinion declaring that countries must fulfill their obligations to prevent, reduce, and control marine pollution caused by greenhouse gas emissions. The opinion, sought by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) on behalf of nine island nations, clarifies the legal responsibilities of the 169 signatories of the 1994 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).The ruling emphasizes that major polluters must take necessary measures to safeguard the marine environment, marking a historic precedent for future climate-related legal cases. Small island states, which contribute minimally to global emissions, face dire consequences from climate change, including coastal erosion, flooding, and saline intrusion, threatening their very existence.Gardi Sugdub, a small island of the Guna Yala people in Panama, faces a heartbreaking migration as 300 families are forced to leave due to climate change. Rising sea levels and intensified storms erode their homes and threaten their way of life. As they move to the mainland, what will become of their vibrant community and rich culture? Photo: Michael Adams via Flickr.COSIS representative Catherine Amirfar stressed that the decision highlights the importance of scientific evidence in shaping international law to combat climate change and the ocean’s role as a carbon sink. “The Tribunal’s decision today makes clear for the first time that it is the best available science – and not political considerations – that plays a ‘crucial role’ in determining what steps are required under international law to combat climate change,” she said. “It is a reminder that the ocean is the biggest carbon sink, absorbing 93% of excess heat, and that ongoing inaction will result in a collapse of the global climate system with dire consequences.”Read the full story.The world is on track to add over 5,500 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030, exceeding national targets set by various governments. However, the growth is still expected to fall short of the COP28 goal to triple global renewable capacity within the same period.China is anticipated to lead this renewable expansion, contributing about 60% of the total growth, while the European Union, the US, and India are set t