Climate Emergency Day: Reflecting on the Countdown to 1.5°C

Yesterday(July 22) , the world marked Climate Emergency Day as the Climate Clock’s countdown shifted from 5 years to 4 years 364 days 23:59:59, emphasizing the urgency of preventing global warming from exceeding 1.5°C. This moment highlighted the narrow window for action to avoid severe climate impacts.

The Climate Clock, using IPCC data, not only counts down to the 1.5°C deadline but also showcases solutions such as renewable energy, regenerative farming, gender equality, and indigenous land protection. The 2024 Climate Emergency Day focused on the global call #TimeToEndFossilFuels, advocating for divestment from fossil fuels and investment in sustainable solutions.

The Climate Clock is known for its 80-foot digital display in New York City’s Union Square, with additional clocks in cities like London, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo, Beijing, and Harrisburg, PA. Portable “action” clocks are also held by climate leaders worldwide, including Greta Thunberg and Bill McKibben.

In 2015, nearly 200 countries committed to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. However, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) now estimates an 80% chance of exceeding this threshold within the next five years. Scientists predict a rise to at least 2.5°C, with catastrophic consequences.

“July 22, 2024, marks not just the passage of time but a crucial opportunity for systemic change,” said Mahak Agrawal, Climate Science and Sustainability Expert and Global Campaign Lead at Climate Clock. “Our window for action is narrowing, but we still have a chance to make a difference.”

Climate Emergency Day united communities to influence policy, hold leaders accountable, and push for a transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. This urgency is amplified as nearly half the world’s population will vote this year, making it a decisive period for climate commitments.

The Climate Clock blends art, science, technology, and grassroots mobilization to alert the world to the climate emergency and support the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming below 1.5°C for a livable future.

For more information and resources, visit [Climate Clock’s official Web: https://climateclock.world/]