The year 2021 is a momentous year for humankind, with decisions hanging in the balance that may impact life on earth for centuries to come.

The COVID-19 pandemic serves as a sobering reminder that our survival and well-being on this planet depend on working together. People have risen to the occasion as never before as a global community, collaborating to develop multiple life-saving vaccines in under a year – a historical breakthrough. Now is the time to apply that attitude of heroic solidarity to one of the greatest challenges of our century: climate change.

The year began in that spirit, with announcements of more ambitious climate targets from every major world leader. Yet, following a brief period in 2020 when global carbon emissions sank by 5.8%, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has predicted that 2021 will see the second biggest emissions rise in history, as vast portions of stimulus funds flow into fossil fuels to jump-start economic recovery.

In the meantime, the August 2021 Sixth Assessment Report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change issues a very clear warning: current climate measures are inadequate both in scope and speed to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and avert a climate outcome with severe consequences for humanity.

We have a few remaining years to act to complete the energy transition and build a new green economy based on net-zero carbon technologies. We must act swiftly, decisively and inclusively. For climate action to work for anyone, it must work for everyone.