In a recent government meeting, experts discussed the pressing implications of climate change, particularly the potential economic and security costs associated with surpassing the global temperature increase threshold of two degrees Celsius. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a transition to net-zero emissions to mitigate these risks.

Paola Basharek, the sustainability program manager at Lano, presented key findings from a recent conference attended by representatives from NATO, universities, and the private sector. She emphasized that the current trajectory of greenhouse gas emissions is alarming, with global temperatures already rising by 1.3 degrees Celsius over the past century. Projections indicate that without significant policy changes, the world could see an increase of up to 2.5 degrees Celsius by 2030.

Basharek shared striking visual data illustrating the rapid increase in monthly surface temperatures, with 2023 already tracking significantly warmer than previous years. Record temperatures have been reported globally, including a staggering 51.9 degrees Celsius in Mexico and 54 degrees Celsius in Kuwait, underscoring the severity of the climate crisis.

The discussion also touched on the irreversible nature of sea-level rise, which is already occurring and will lead to increased flooding and loss of coastal areas. Experts warned that the combination of rising sea levels and extreme weather events could result in significant economic damage and threaten democratic institutions worldwide.

The meeting concluded with a call to action for countries to adopt more aggressive climate policies to avoid catastrophic outcomes. The experts stressed that the time for decisive action is now, as the window to prevent further damage is rapidly closing.