New Report Confirms We're Almost out of Time to Avoid Climate Catastrophe

The fate of our planet is hanging in the balance, warns the latest United Nations report released March 20th, 2022. It took more than six years and the contributions of thousands of dedicated climate scientists to arrive at a sobering conclusion: the chance to secure a livable future for everyone on Earth is slipping away.

The clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity to save our planet is rapidly closing.

Previous reports detailed the irreversible changes already underway due to climate change, such as rising sea levels, warming oceans, and shifts in food availability.

But we aren’t out of hope just yet. The latest report suggests that the technology needed to adapt to climate change and reduce harmful emissions is readily available. It outlines a clear path to a more sustainable world and a stable climate. The key now is to mainstream effective and equitable climate action.

Scientists have highlighted the threats posed by heat waves, the spread of infectious diseases, and other concerns, but also presented potential solutions, including shifting to renewable energy and halting the construction of new fossil fuel infrastructure.

According to IPCC Chair Hoesung Lee, "If we act now, we can still secure a liveable, sustainable future for all." Taking action to reduce losses and damages to nature and people will benefit the environment and have a ripple effect across society.

So who is meeting the challenges head-on in order to achieve a sustainable world for ourselves and future generations?

Autumn has spoken at the United Nations General Assembly and other high-profile forums to raise awareness about the importance of clean water and advocate for Indigenous rights. In 2019, she was appointed as the Chief Water Commissioner for the Anishinabek Nation, where she works to protect the water rights of Indigenous communities across Canada. She has also been involved in various initiatives to address environmental issues and promote sustainability, including advocating for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Young Mexican-Chilean climate activist Xiye Bastida from San Pedro Tultepec, Mexico, witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of climate change, including droughts and flooding that threatened the livelihoods of her community.

Determined to take action, Xiye became a powerful advocate for environmental justice and climate action. She joined the Fridays for Future movement, started by Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, and has since spoken at various forums and conferences, including the United Nations Climate Action Summit.

Her message of urgency and action has been featured in major media outlets around the world, inspiring young people everywhere to join the fight for a more sustainable future, and her dedication and leadership have not gone unnoticed - in 2018, she received the prestigious "Spirit of the UN" award for her environmental advocacy work.

Through their activism, these young leaders are not only raising awareness about the impacts of climate change but also advocating for environmental justice and policy changes that prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.