Global Warming and the Climate Emergency
The year 2024 went down in history as the hottest year in the past 175 years, with temperatures approximately 1.55°C higher than in the pre-industrial era. While this single-year record does not constitute a violation of the Paris Agreement, the long-term trend is cause for serious concern: Current warming projections range from 1.34 to 1.41°C, and there is an over 80% chance that the record will be broken within the next five years.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In 2023, global greenhouse gas emissions reached a record high of 57.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent. In terms of sectoral distribution, energy production accounted for the largest share at 26%, while transportation, agriculture, and industry each accounted for approximately 11%. To stay within the 1.5°C limit, annual reductions of 7.5% are required by 2035; if current policies continue, global temperatures are projected to rise by 3.1°C.
Fossil Fuel Subsidies
Following a historic peak of $1.68 trillion in 2022, subsidies fell to $1.10 trillion in 2023. While this decline is a positive sign, the figures are still nearly three times the 2020 level. These subsidies distort price mechanisms, lead to the inefficient use of public resources, and directly contradict climate goals.
Disaster Risks and Losses
While disaster-related deaths have fallen by about half over the past decade, the number of people affected has risen to 2,028 per 100,000 people—a 75% increase compared to a decade ago. Annual direct economic losses average $202 billion; when indirect effects are included, this figure reaches $2.3 trillion. Countries with early warning systems are found to be able to reduce disaster losses by five to eight times.
Green Content in Education
An analysis of approximately 1,700 curriculum frameworks across 110 countries reveals that the integration of climate change awareness into education remains insufficient. The average score on a 0–100 scale for green education is only 40; only one-quarter of countries exceed the recommended threshold of 50.
Conclusion
The data reveals that global climate efforts are lagging far behind the required pace. Unless coordinated and urgent steps are taken in areas such as emissions reduction, subsidy reform, early warning infrastructure, and the greening of education, the window of opportunity for a livable future will continue to close rapidly.
Note: This summary was prepared using information from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2025 report.