Read Aloud — Climate

Global average temperatures have risen by approximately one point two degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels. Scientists warn that exceeding one point five degrees could trigger irreversible changes, including the collapse of ice sheets and the loss of critical ecosystems worldwide.

Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe in many parts of the world as climate change disrupts established rainfall patterns. These prolonged dry periods threaten agricultural output, reduce freshwater availability, and increase the risk of wildfires, with particularly devastating consequences for communities in developing countries that lack resources to adapt.

Many governments have committed to achieving carbon neutrality by the middle of this century. Reaching this goal requires not only a rapid shift to renewable energy but also investments in carbon capture technology, reforestation programmes, and fundamental changes in industrial processes, agriculture, and consumer behaviour across entire economies.