The planetary stakes are higher than ever as almost 200 nations meet for the United Nations’ annual climate conference.
Global pledges to reduce carbon emissions under the Paris Agreement still aren’t enough to meet the world’s climate goals. The pact’s most ambitious target — limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius — is expected to be surpassed in a few years. And carbon pollution from fossil fuels is projected to hit a record high in 2024, just one year after world leaders agreed to transition away from oil, gas and coal.
Meanwhile, scientists say 2024 will almost certainly be the hottest year ever recorded.
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It’s a grim setting for the climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, known as COP29.
