Climate change is not the perfect parallel for the environmental problems we’ve solved before. It will be harder; we should be honest about that. It means rebuilding the energy, transport and food systems that underpin the modern world. It will involve every country, and almost every sector. But change is happening, even if it doesn’t hit the headlines. To accelerate action, we need to have the expectation that things can move faster. That’s where past lessons come in; we should use them to understand that these expectations are not unrealistic. Change can happen quickly, but not on its own; we need to be the ones to drive it forward.

There are several reasons why tackling climate change is different from previous environmental problems. Firstly, it is a global issue that requires international cooperation and coordination. All countries need to come together and take collective action to effectively address climate change. This is a challenge that goes beyond national boundaries and requires global solutions.

Secondly, climate change is a complex problem with multiple dimensions. It is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions; it also involves adapting to the impacts that are already happening, such as rising sea levels and extreme weather events. This requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that takes into account various sectors and their interconnections.

Thirdly, addressing climate change requires transforming entire systems that are deeply ingrained in our society. Energy, transport, and food systems are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Rebuilding these systems to be more sustainable and low-carbon is a massive task that will require significant investments and changes in behavior.

However, despite these challenges, change is already happening. Many countries and businesses have made commitments to reduce their emissions and transition to clean energy. Renewable energy technologies are becoming more affordable and accessible, and innovative solutions are emerging in various sectors. This shows that change is possible, but it requires determination and proactive efforts.

To accelerate action on climate change, we need to have high expectations and push for faster progress. History has shown that societal transformations can happen relatively quickly when there is enough political will and public support. Examples like the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances and the rapid adoption of renewable energy demonstrate that change can occur faster than anticipated.

Therefore, we should harness the lessons from past successes and use them to fuel our efforts in addressing climate change. We should learn from the strategies that have worked in the past and apply them to the current challenge. This includes promoting policy incentives, investing in research and development, fostering collaboration between different stakeholder groups, and engaging the public in awareness and action.

Ultimately, it is up to us to drive the necessary changes. We cannot wait for governments or businesses to act alone; individuals and communities also have a crucial role to play. By demanding stronger climate policies, making sustainable choices in our daily lives, and advocating for a low-carbon future, we can contribute to shaping a more sustainable and resilient world.