The summit was supposed to get global climate action back on track. But despite a few bright spots, the urgent action needed to avoid a climate catastrophe looks a long way off.
Is the UN’s climate process fit for purpose?
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Scientists from all over the world agree that the impacts of climate change will get worse, unless action is taken now.
The Port Kembla industrial area in NSW. Industry emissions can be cut by improving efficiency, shifting to electricity and closing old plants.
Dean Lewins/AAP
The use of fossil fuels has to end and be replaced by sustainable energy as quickly as possible. The Paris Agreement was a good start but states continuing to work together is key.
Emissions are seen from an oil refinery in Alberta.
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As a wealthy nation with global diplomatic and multilateral influence, Canada is among a small subset of nations uniquely positioned to act individually and collaboratively on climate change.
Research shows the cost of damage through climate change will be much greater than the costs of reducing emissions.
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New Zealand is small and generates a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, but investment in cutting emissions is important and could influence other, larger countries.
Waves in Australia’s southern coasts are likely to get bigger and faster under a warming climate.
AAP Image/City of Gold Coast
Sydney has joined more than 600 local governments around the world – as well as the national governments of the UK and Canada – in putting the climate crisis at the heart of all policy decisions.
US Air Force fighters during the 1991 Gulf War.
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We’ve been here before. In fact we’ve been going round in circles on climate policy for decades, while the temperature (of the debate, as well as the planet) climbs ever higher.