Unlocking Solutions: How Climate Science Can Pave the Way for a Sustainable Future

The world is on the brink of exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming compared to the pre-industrial era. As this reality sets in, the need for proactive climate science has never been more urgent.

By the time the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) issues its next comprehensive report in 2028-29, we may have already crossed this crucial threshold, marking a significant moment in our climate journey. The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to curb rising temperatures, but data shows this limit was first surpassed in 2024.

As we delve into the next cycle of climate assessments, we must focus on future challenges. Understanding the issues at hand is essential, but transforming this understanding into effective action is our greater goal.

Communities especially vulnerable to climate change, like smallholder farmers, must be at the forefront of our focus. These farmers are essential to global food security, yet they are also the most impacted by changing climates. Addressing their needs will be pivotal as we aim for sustainable food practices.

Food systems contribute to around a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting the crucial need for sustainable farming practices. Transitioning to methods that reduce emissions in agriculture is critical for a healthier planet.

At the same time, food systems face their own climate-related challenges. In the last 30 years, losses from climate disasters have reached about $3.8 trillion, with the poorest nations suffering the most. Projections show that a global temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius could lead to severe food shortages, impacting up to 80 million people by 2050.

Key Questions Ahead

The next IPCC assessments must address pressing questions about agriculture’s role in climate change. First, how can we effectively utilize and spread existing technologies to help farmers? Tools like climate-resilient crops and solar-powered irrigation already exist but need wider implementation. Scientists need to find ways to connect financial and technical aid from wealthier nations to farmers in low- and middle-income countries.

Another important question is how to make low-emission agricultural technologies affordable. Unlike the energy sector, which has seen significant investment in renewables, agriculture needs more focus on low-emission innovations. Identifying promising research areas and the necessary infrastructure will be key to driving costs down.

Finally, we must explore how to improve carbon dioxide removal methods. As climate change progresses, natural systems that capture carbon become less effective. Understanding how projects like reforestation will impact agricultural land and food security is crucial to ensuring a balanced approach.

The Path Forward

The findings from future IPCC reports will shape our response to the urgent realities of climate change. It is not just about analyzing the data but providing actionable insights that allow governments to take meaningful steps. Collaboration is vital—policymakers, innovators, and scientists must work together to deploy resources wisely and adapt to rising temperatures.

Importantly, we cannot overlook climate justice. As we shift towards a sustainable future, we must prioritize the voices and needs of those who are most vulnerable. By ensuring these communities are included in climate strategies, we can build a future where everyone has a fair chance at resilience and security, leaving no one behind.

Aditi Mukherji is a leading figure in climate adaptation and mitigation, contributing significantly to IPCC reports.

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