Human-Caused Warming Reshapes Every Corner of the Planet Global temperatures have risen by 1.1°C due to human activity, triggering intensified heat waves, droughts, and floods that disrupt nature and urban systems alike. Robust scientific evidence confirms that both natural ecosystems and human settlements are deeply intertwined with the forces of climate change. Each incremental rise in temperature brings exponentially greater risks, highlighting the intimate connection between the well-being of our planet and human society.
Unequal Burdens and Ecosystem Disruptions Amplify Global Vulnerabilities Marginalized communities and regions—home to nearly 3.5 billion people—face overwhelming threats as limited access to clean water, food, and essential services exacerbates their exposure to extreme weather. Rapid urbanization and coastal settlements, often in high-risk areas, intensify these vulnerabilities while climate extremes undermine vital infrastructure. The cascading effects push species to migrate toward cooler regions, edging ecosystems toward irreversible tipping points and deepening social inequities.
Integrated and Transformative Actions Pave the Way for a Sustainable Future Harnessing nature’s potential by protecting and restoring up to half of the world’s ecosystems can mitigate climate risks and build resilience across society. Combining nature-based solutions with engineered measures and social safety nets offers multifaceted benefits for health, food security, and biodiversity. Avoiding maladaptation is crucial, as misdirected actions can worsen emissions and entrench existing inequalities, making immediate, ambitious global transformation essential for a livable future.