Global Climate Crisis and Political Challenges in 2025

Frequent climate disasters worldwide have severely disrupted economies and livelihoods in 2025. Heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, floods and landslides have become common. These events have slowed down global GDP growth. Political responses remain divided. Some leaders deny or downplay climate change, while others call for urgent action. The upcoming UN Climate Summit, CoP 30, faces immense pressure to deliver stronger commitments.

Recent Political Stances on Climate Change

Several world leaders have taken contrasting positions on climate policy. The former US administration rejected the Paris Agreement and rolled back environmental protections. In a controversial speech at the UN General Assembly, the US leader called climate change a “con job” and promoted fossil fuels as “clean.” This stance drew sharp criticism from other nations and scientists. China announced modest emission reduction targets by 2035, but experts warn these fall short of what is needed to limit global warming. Conflicts in Europe have further complicated the situation by damaging energy infrastructure and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

Impact of Climate Policies on Global Emissions

The US emission reduction pace has halved compared to previous decades, threatening Paris climate goals. China remains the largest emitter, with coal consumption rising despite international pledges. Political support for coal power plants persists in China, undermining decarbonisation efforts. Europe’s ongoing conflict with Russia has caused damage to oil, gas and nuclear facilities, increasing emissions. War economies dependent on fossil fuels prolong environmental harm. The global community faces a dilemma where economic and military interests clash with climate imperatives.

Challenges for Upcoming UN Climate Summit (CoP 30)

CoP 30, scheduled in Belem, Brazil, aims to enhance emission reduction commitments. However, UN officials admit current national pledges are insufficient to keep warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Past summits have struggled to secure adequate funding for climate adaptation in vulnerable developing countries. The summit must address these gaps and encourage stronger cooperation. The challenge is to balance economic growth, geopolitical tensions and environmental sustainability.

Role of Global Cooperation and Civil Society

Economists and environmental experts urge worldwide collaboration to counteract climate denial and weaken fossil fuel dependence. NGOs at local, national and international levels play a vital role in raising public awareness. Education and advocacy are seen as key tools to influence policy and corporate behaviour. The climate crisis demands collective responsibility, especially from the largest emitters. Without shared commitment, vulnerable nations risk severe consequences including displacement and loss of livelihoods.

Economic and Environmental Interconnections

Climate disasters reduce economic efficiency and increase costs for recovery and adaptation. Fossil fuel industries remain intertwined with global economic and defence sectors. This linkage complicates efforts to transition to clean energy. The persistence of war and conflict fuels demand for fossil fuels, perpetuating emissions. Sustainable development requires decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation. This calls for innovation, policy reform and global solidarity.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of geopolitical conflicts on global climate change mitigation efforts with suitable examples.
2. Explain the significance of the Paris Agreement and discuss the challenges faced in achieving its goals by 2030.
3. What are the roles of international organisations and non-governmental organisations in climate diplomacy? How can they influence policy decisions?
4. Underline the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability. How can developing countries balance these priorities?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of geopolitical conflicts on global climate change mitigation efforts with suitable examples.

1. Wars, like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, damage energy infrastructure causing increased greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Destruction of oil, gas pipelines and refineries leads to flaring and release of CO2 and pollutants.
3. Warring nations rely on fossil fuel revenues to sustain military operations, increasing extraction and emissions.
4. Defense industries and war economies are linked to fossil fuel consumption, hindering clean energy transition.
5. Geopolitical tensions reduce international cooperation on climate policies and delay global mitigation efforts.
6. Example – Europe’s conflict zones see increased emissions while diverting attention from climate goals.

2. Explain the significance of the Paris Agreement and discuss the challenges faced in achieving its goals by 2030.

1. Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels.
2. It promotes nationally determined contributions (NDCs) for emission reductions by all countries.
3. Challenges include insufficient emission cuts by major emitters like US and China, slowing progress.
4. Lack of adequate finance and support for adaptation in vulnerable developing countries impedes implementation.
5. Political denial, rollback of environmental policies, and conflicting economic interests weaken commitments.
6. Upcoming summits (CoP 30) face pressure to enhance targets but current pledges fall short of needed ambition.

3. What are the roles of international organisations and non-governmental organisations in climate diplomacy? How can they influence policy decisions?

1. International organisations (UNFCCC, IPCC) provide platforms for negotiation, scientific assessment, and monitoring.
2. They facilitate consensus-building among countries and track progress on climate commitments.
3. NGOs raise public awareness, educate communities, and mobilize grassroots support for climate action.
4. NGOs act as watchdogs holding governments and corporations accountable for environmental policies.
5. Both influence policy by advocacy, research, lobbying, and participation in climate summits and forums.
6. Collaboration between NGOs and international bodies strengthens diplomatic pressure for stronger climate laws.

4. Underline the relationship between economic development and environmental sustainability. How can developing countries balance these priorities?

1. Economic growth often depends on resource use and industrialization, which can degrade the environment.
2. Environmental sustainability requires reducing pollution, conserving resources, and adopting clean technologies.
3. Developing countries face the challenge of lifting populations out of poverty while limiting emissions.
4. Balance can be achieved through sustainable development models, green technologies, and renewable energy adoption.
5. Financial and technical support from developed countries is crucial for capacity building and climate resilience.
6. Policy reforms that integrate climate goals with economic planning promote inclusive and low-carbon growth.