To do or not to do

AS I write this, there is massive churning in the world—not the kind that makes headlines, but deeper undercurrents: collisions of powerful forces working against each other. What will emerge as the victor? At this point, the only certainty is uncertainty.

- SUNITA NARAIN | EDIT

Consider this. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have reached a record high—rising from 420.4 ppm (parts per million) in 2023 to 423.9 ppm in 2024. According to the agency, this signals new threats of rising temperatures and more extreme weather events. Yet, we are witnessing clear signs of reversal in the commitment needed to take urgent climate action. And it is not just the US leading this retreat. There is a broader global hesitancy; countries find it difficult to scale up low-carbon solutions that can drastically cut emissions. So the question is, what will “win”—the urgency to act in the face of mounting climate threats, or inaction driven by economic interests?