Breaking Free from ‘Doom Loops’: How We Can Combat the Acceleration of Climate Change

Vicious cycles are making climate change worse. One clear example is at the North Pole. Record fossil fuel use is causing temperatures to rise, which in turn melts more sea ice. The extent of Arctic winter sea ice in March 2025 reached a record low. This loss means less sunlight is reflected back into space, creating a self-reinforcing loop where climate change drives more ice loss, leading to even more climate change.

Human behavior also contributes to this issue. A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) showed that global demand for coal surged by 1% in 2024, largely due to extreme heatwaves in China and India. People turned to air conditioners and more energy to stay cool, which further fuels climate change.

As the heat intensifies, almost half the world lacks sufficient means to protect themselves from it. Radhika Khosla, a professor at the University of Oxford, highlights this dilemma. While some can afford air conditioning, this demand is expected to double by 2050. The solution isn’t simple, but advancements in renewable energy can help us cool down without relying on fossil fuels. If wealthy nations paid their climate finance debts to developing countries, it could enable accessible and sustainable cooling solutions.

Experts from Nottingham Trent University and Coventry University criticize the reliance on coal to power air conditioners. They suggest using rooftop solar panels instead. These panels can harness the sun’s heat to generate electricity for cooling units, effectively reducing demand for fossil fuels. Research from Arizona State University shows that even a modest set of solar panels can cut cooling demand by up to 13% depending on various factors like location and roof type.

However, solar energy has its challenges, particularly in the evening when air conditioning use peaks. Researchers in Australia propose a smart solution: air conditioning units could be programmed to pre-cool buildings while solar energy is available, ensuring comfort without increasing fossil fuel consumption.

In cities like Nottingham and Coventry, there is incredible potential for solar energy. If maximized, Nottingham could generate nearly 500 megawatts from rooftop solar, comparable to a medium-sized gas power plant. Coventry has even greater potential at 700 megawatts, which could cover almost half of its electricity needs.

Transitioning to solar requires significant investment in training and technology, as well as strategies to encourage adoption. Yet, there is hope for positive reinforcement. Once certain thresholds, like battery storage or heat pump installations, are met, we could see a rapid shift towards greener technology.

Still, global cooperation faces challenges. As climate change progresses, geopolitical tensions rise. Disputes over resources and trade can distract from the urgent need for action against climate change. Climate experts, Laurie Laybourn and James Dyke, warn that extreme weather events can drive inflation and unrest, creating a “doom loop” that undermines fossil fuel phase-out efforts. In the 2024 U.S. election, skyrocketing food prices fueled by severe weather became a hot topic, and political figures leveraged this unrest.

However, Laybourn and Dyke offer a glimmer of hope. History shows that crises often spark movements for positive change. The aftermath of the second World War, for example, led to significant advancements in human rights and welfare. This suggests that the current moment, while challenging, could also be an opportunity to foster beneficial changes in our approach to climate and social policies.

Check out this related article: Unlocking Climate Solutions: The Essential Role of Community-Driven Investments – Insights from the Kresge Foundation