By Mr. Mohammad Asad Tahir Jappa
As the world faces unprecedented challenges from the climate crisis, deteriorating biodiversity, and the tolling of alarm bells over energy security, the crying need for climate leadership is in the spotlight. While we have enough political stalwarts, corporate gurus, media maestros, educational and thought leaders, we most certainly need climate leaders who exemplify action, talk less, and deliver more. It is the resolute climate leadership that can significantly contribute to achieving the ambitious agenda of 2030, 2050, and beyond. As the world leaders gather at Belém, Brazil, for COP30, it is most likely that the august halls will echo once more with tall claims by the firebrand speakers, promising far more than they can deliver. More often than not, rosy promises made at previous COP meetings have proven to be empty words, hollow commitments, and thus only a farcical waste of time, energy, and resources. We have had enough talkers in the past; we need climate leaders who let their actions do the talking, embedding climate-friendly initiatives from policy formulation to their precise execution on the ground. Never has the need for proactive climate leadership been more pressing than it is now.
Ironically, despite constant reiteration to reduce carbon emissions, the agreed targets continue to remain a far cry. In a clear departure from the target of 1.5℃ set in the Paris Agreement, the United Nations Environmental Report has registered an alarming rise in temperature ranging between 2.5℃ – 2.9℃ above pre-industrial levels, which belies the commitments made by the world leaders in the Paris Agreement. This necessitates immediate action and concrete steps to ensure mitigation, adaptation, and a robust strategic plan with performance metrics, fostering resilience against the worsening climate crisis.
It is pertinent to highlight that climate leadership transcends the realms of trade, profession, rank, title, or position. However, we need to witness the spirit of climate leadership embodied in some of the key sectors across the globe. The most important, loud and clear example must be set by the political-administrative top tiers who command the legitimate powers to formulate policies and implement regulatory measures aimed at promoting sustainability and ethical business practices. Similarly, we need climate leadership manifested by business leaders across the entire supply chain, fostering a culture of green consumption.
Likewise, the pivotal role of academia and research scientists can not be overemphasized, who can build a strong narrative for climate action through research-inspired teaching, evidence-based scientific learning, and informed advocacy for a cleaner environment and a greener planet. The University of Leicester, UK, has already led by example as it nurtures its students as Citizens of Change, championing sustainability and climate justice. Above all, the media houses, especially the digital platforms, must act as climate leaders to make a noise against climate injustice and maximise visibility of success stories, highlighting positive local action and global best practices of climate champions for driving impactful change.
It is reassuring to witness the growing appetite for climate leadership at COP30, wherein over 51% people want their governments to set ambitious targets, as is highlighted in GlobeScan’s recent research. Will climate leadership figure larger on the agenda of COP31, which is likely to be hosted by Australia next year? Those who live will see.
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Author’s Short Bio
Mr. Mohammad Asad Tahir Jappa is a PhD Scholar (Communication and Media Studies) and GTA at the University of Leicester. He is an ADN Regional Coordinator for Pakistan and Member of the ADN Network on Loss and Damage.