What has long been seen as going to happen has already happened. According to UN data, the global warming we have had in the last year has exceeded 1.5ºC, set as the limit not to be exceeded in the Paris Agreements of 2015.
The exact measurement of the increase between January 2023 and February 2024 has been 1.52ºC according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union.
Unfortunately, this data is a grim milestone in the history of humanity, since this threshold, considered a critical turning point, brings us closer to an uncertain future with possible devastating consequences for the planet, and in recent times we have seen the heat waves, fires, and various environmental calamities everywhere.
This information is a call to urgent action: The scientific data is clear and compelling. Global warming is accelerating at an alarming rate, driven primarily by human activity and the emission of greenhouse gases. The international community, governments, companies and citizens must take urgent and ambitious measures to reverse this trend.
For those who want to understand it, the news tells us that the future is at risk: The consequences of climate change will not only affect the environment, but also economies, societies and public health. Millions of people could be displaced by extreme weather events, and poverty and inequality could increase sharply.
It annoys me deeply to have to write these things, apparently almost apocalyptic, when I see around me that everyone is happy and content as if “tomorrow” were guaranteed by who knows who. When in reality just the opposite is happening.
A radical change is needed: A very profound change in the way we produce and consume energy is imperative. We must move towards a low-carbon economy, driven by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. Energy efficiency and the adoption of clean technologies must be priorities in all sectors.
And let's not fool ourselves, the responsibility is shared, each at their own level, but we all have something to contribute, and the responsibility of addressing climate change falls on everyone. Fundamentally in governments that must establish urgent and ambitious public policies with regulatory frameworks that encourage climate action.
Companies must take a proactive role in reducing their emissions and adopting sustainable practices. We citizens can contribute with changes in our lifestyle, such as reducing energy consumption, using public transportation and adopting a more sustainable diet. And especially discussing our sensitivity and concern with friends and people close to us.
We are at a decisive moment for the future of the planet. The window of opportunity to avoid the worst impacts of climate change is rapidly closing. Urgent, concerted and ambitious action by all actors is essential to build a more resilient and sustainable future for future generations.
Will we do it ? Every day I am more pessimistic about it.
EN 
ES_ES 