Climate Action

Climate action refers to efforts taken to combat climate change and its impacts. This involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions (known as climate mitigation) and/or preparing for and adjusting to the current and predicted effects of climate change (known as climate adaptation).

Climate change is causing severe global impacts, hitting the poorest communities hardest. Countries and communities that have historically contributed the least to climate change often face the greatest risks, while wealthier nations bear a larger responsibility to reduce emissions and support adaptation in vulnerable regions. Coordinated international action is essential to reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and achieve sustainable development goals.

Climate action can include policies and initiatives to cut emissions at all levels, from global agreements like the Paris Agreement to local grassroots efforts. NGOs, youth movements, and individual choices help drive change, while coordinated policies increase effectiveness.

Goal 13 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasizes urgent climate action, resilience, inclusive planning, and both policy and individual contributions.

Despite decades of climate science, action has been slow. Wealth concentration and fossil fuel interests continue to block progress, but scientists and society can drive change through evidence-based policies, accountability, and targeted funding.

Although climate concern is rising, many people struggle to translate awareness into action. Human behaviour is complex, shaped by emotions, culture, social contexts, and systemic constraints. People and groups often unconsciously avoid or repress the distressing realities of climate change, which can hinder action. Fear, guilt, and helplessness can lead to overwhelm, denial, numbing, or disengagement.

Finding the right balance between the urgency of climate action and justice can be a challenge. Rapid action can both advance and undermine energy justice, while delays increase future impacts and costs, potentially even missing windows to stop irreversible tipping points.

Large climate movements, such as mass protests (e.g. Extinction Rebellion and Fridays for Future), can shift public and political consensus by raising awareness, shaping narratives, and creating pressure that encourages policymakers to adopt more ambitious climate policies.

A carbon footprint measures the emissions linked to individual or organizational activities, but the concept was popularized by oil companies like BP to shift responsibility onto consumers. While personal actions matter, meaningful climate action requires systemic change, holding industries accountable for reducing emissions across their supply chains.

Effective climate action must address the outsized emissions of the world’s wealthiest 10%, who have caused two-thirds of observed global warming since 1990.