Beating climate change demands unwavering dedication

THIS year’s Climate Week NYC has begun with unusual momentum.

Last year’s COP28 United Nations climate summit in Dubai resulted in unprecedented commitments. Governments agreed to treble renewable-energy capacity and double the increase in energy efficiency worldwide. Half the oil and gas industry pledged to cut methane emissions by three-quarters. The World Bank and the African Development Bank announced that they would cut the number of households without electricity by 40 per cent. But are commitments being turned into action?

In some places, yes – and impressively so. China’s biggest solar companies now contribute more energy to the world economy than the oil industry’s giants.