The Climate Conundrum: Why Pledges Fail and How We Can Win?

Dr. Tasaduq Hidayat

Climate change is one of the most significant issues in the contemporary time. It threatens ecosystems, economy, and people’s lives all around the world. Despite global pledges to reverse its trajectory, rising temperatures and extreme weather events persist, casting doubt on our collective resolve. The Climate Conundrum: Why Pledges Fail and How We Can Win? explores the reasons behind this gap, showcases innovative efforts to combat climate change, evaluates the role of environmental politics, and proposes actionable solutions to secure a sustainable future. 

Why Climate Pledges Fall Short

The world has united in ambitious commitments, such as the 2015 Paris Accord. The accord aimed to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. Yet, greenhouse gas emissions continue to climb, with 2023 data showing a 1.3% increase in global CO2 emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. Several factors explain why these pledges have not translated into sufficient action.

Economic priorities often take precedence over environmental goals. For many nations, particularly in the Global South, fossil fuels remain a cornerstone of economic growth and poverty alleviation. Transitioning to renewables demands significant investment, which competes with immediate needs like healthcare and education. Countries like India and China, reliant on coal for energy security, face daunting trade-offs in phasing out fossil fuels while sustaining economic momentum.

Political short-termism further undermines progress. Leaders often prioritize policies with immediate, visible benefits to secure voter support, sidelining the long-term strategies needed to address climate change. The influence of fossil fuel industries exacerbates this issue, as powerful lobbies in countries like the United States shape energy policies to delay stringent regulations. This creates a cycle of inertia were short-term gains trump long-term survival.

Global coordination remains elusive. Climate change is a borderless problem, yet nations differ in their capacities and responsibilities. Wealthier nations, responsible for the bulk of historical emissions, face pressure to lead, while developing nations argue for their right to industrialize. The Paris Accord’s voluntary targets reflect this tension, often resulting in commitments that are either inadequate or unmet. The lack of binding enforcement mechanisms allows countries to prioritize national interests over global goals.

Finally, societal behavior fuels the crisis. High demand for energy-intensive products, from cars to air travel, drives emissions. While public awareness of climate change is growing, translating this into widespread behavioral change such as reducing meat consumption or embracing sustainable lifestyles remains a slow process. These factors collectively explain why the climate conundrum persists despite global pledges.

Innovative Efforts to Combat Climate Change

The fight against climate change is not without hope. Across the globe, governments, businesses, and communities are pioneering new ways to reduce emissions and build resilience, offering pathways to win this battle.

Renewable energy is at the forefront of this transformation. Solar and wind power have become more affordable, with global solar capacity surging by 24% in 2023, driven by advancements in photovoltaic technology and energy storage. Offshore wind farms, particularly in Europe, are expanding rapidly, harnessing stronger winds to generate clean energy. Innovations in battery storage, such as next-generation lithium-ion systems, are addressing the intermittency of renewables which ensures a stable energy supply.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are gaining momentum as a solution for hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel. Projects like Iceland’s Orca plant, which captures CO2 directly from the air and stores it underground, demonstrate the potential of direct air capture. While costs remain high, scaling up CCS could be a game-changer in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Green hydrogen is another promising frontier. Produced using renewable energy, it offers a clean alternative for industries and transportation. Countries like Germany and Japan are investing heavily in green hydrogen infrastructure with applications in heavy-duty vehicles and industrial processes. Pilot projects are integrating hydrogen into energy systems, reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Nature-based solutions are proving both effective and cost-efficient. Reforestation and ecosystem restoration, such as the Bonn Challenge’s goal to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, sequester carbon while enhancing biodiversity. Protecting carbon-rich ecosystems like mangroves and wetlands, as seen in initiatives in Indonesia and Australia that  further bolsters climate resilience.

Policy innovations are also driving change. Carbon pricing through taxes or emissions trading systems is gaining traction in regions like the European Union and Canada. Green subsidies for electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances are encouraging sustainable consumer choices. Meanwhile, grassroots movements like Fridays for Future and corporate commitments from companies like Microsoft are pushing for systemic change, aligning consumer demand and investor pressure with climate goals.

The Role of Environmental Politics: A Double-Edged Sword

Environmental politics, the interplay of policies, advocacy, and governance to address environmental issues is central to the climate fight. Its impact, however, is both a boon and a bane, depending on its execution.

On the positive side, environmental politics has produced landmark frameworks like the Paris Accord, setting global benchmarks for climate action. These agreements, though imperfect, strengthen international cooperation and accountability. Advocacy movements, amplified by figures like Greta Thunberg, have raised public awareness and shifted political discourse, making ambitious climate policies more feasible. Policies like the European Green Deal, which allocates billions to clean energy and circular economies, drive innovation and create green jobs.

However, environmental politics has its pitfalls. Polarization often stalls progress, as climate change becomes a partisan issue in countries like the United States, where ideological divides hinder bipartisan support for reforms. Greenwashing is another concern, with some governments and corporations making superficial sustainability claims without meaningful action, eroding public trust. Additionally, poorly designed policies, such as regressive carbon taxes, can disproportionately burden low-income households, raising questions of equity. The global push for renewables sometimes overlooks the needs of developing nations, fuellingdebates over climate justice.

Environmental politics is neither inherently good nor bad but requires careful design to maximize impact. Inclusive, transparent, and evidence-based policymaking can harness its potential to drive meaningful change while avoiding unintended consequences.

Solutions to Win the Climate Fight

To resolve the climate conundrum and achieve a sustainable future, a multifaceted approach is essential. First, strengthen global cooperation. International agreements must include binding targets and regular progress reviews to ensure accountability. Wealthier nations should provide financial and technological support to developing countries. Consequentially, it will help in addressing equity gaps and enabling a just transition.

Second, scale up renewable energy. Governments and private sectors must invest in grid modernization, energy storage, and emerging technologies like green hydrogen. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the deployment of solar, wind, and other clean energy solutions.

Third, promote sustainable consumption. Public campaigns and incentives can encourage behaviors like reducing meat consumption, using public transport, and adopting circular economy practices. Integrating climate literacy into education systems can strengthen long-term societal change.

Fourth, implement equitable carbon pricing. Carbon taxes and emissions trading systems should be designed to avoid regressive impacts with revenues reinvested in green infrastructure or redistributed to vulnerable communities. This ensures a fair transition to a low-carbon economy.

Fifth, expand nature-based solutions. Increased funding for reforestation, wetland restoration, and soil conservation can sequester carbon and enhance resilience against climate impacts. These solutions are cost-effective and benefit both people and ecosystems.

Sixth, combat greenwashing. Regulatory bodies must enforce stricter standards for corporate sustainability claims using independent audits to ensure credibility. This builds trust and directs resources to genuine solutions.

Seventh, prioritize climate justice. Policies must engage marginalized communities to avoid disproportionate impacts. Local stakeholder involvement in decision-making can improve outcomes.

Finally, accelerate research and innovation. Increased funding for CCS, green hydrogen, and advanced batteries can unlock transformative solutions. International collaboration on technology sharing ensures that innovations benefit all nations.

Bottomline: 

The climate conundrum, why pledges fail and how we can win, demands urgent action. While economic priorities, political inertia, and societal behaviors have hindered progress, innovative technologies, policies, and grassroots efforts offer a path forward. Environmental politics, when inclusive and transparent, can drive systemic change, but it must navigate polarization and inequity. By strengthening global cooperation, scaling up renewables, promoting sustainable consumption, and investing in innovation, humanity can overcome the climate crisis.

(Author is a Regular Columnist for Straight Talk Communications. He has earned a Ph.D. in Journalism and Mass Communication from IUST, Awantipora, reflecting his deep expertise and academic dedication in this field. His specialization is Broadcast Media, Climate Change and Science Communication. He can be reached at: tasaduq.hidayat@iust.ac.in)