In the Age of Climate Change, Can the World Still Come Together?

The world is navigating a troubling crossroads where geopolitical conflicts and environmental crises are colliding with increasing intensity. While powerful nations compete for control and influence, nature is responding with unprecedented fury—through extreme weather, rising temperatures, and devastated ecosystems. Together, these twin crises are reshaping our future, destabilizing economies, displacing millions, and testing global unity. Let’s dive into the facts, the impact, and the path forward.

1. Global Power Struggles Are Escalating

Once a symbol of cooperation, the United Nations is witnessing dwindling influence. According to UN internal reports, only 25% of Security Council resolutions were successfully implemented in 2024, highlighting fractured global leadership.

• U.S.–China Trade War: The geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China reached new heights in March 2025 when the U.S. imposed a 145% tariff on Chinese goods. In retaliation, China halted Boeing deliveries—a move that could cost the U.S. aerospace sector $2.5 billion in revenue this year (Bloomberg).

• Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Since 2022, Russia's war in Ukraine has forced 12 million people to flee their homes, sparking a humanitarian crisis (UNHCR). Attempts at peace have faltered, with continued shelling reported in major cities in April 2025.

• Middle East Tensions: In Gaza, Israeli military operations have resulted in 43,000 deaths since 2023, with Iran threatening retaliation following the latest airstrikes on April 15, 2025 (Reuters). The region teeters on the edge of broader conflict.

2. Climate Change: Nature's Unforgiving Response

While world leaders clash, the Earth itself is sounding alarm bells. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that we’re on track for a 2.5°C global temperature rise by 2050, which would lead to more frequent and deadly weather events.

But the global response remains deeply fragmented. The UN and national governments are struggling to enforce climate goals in today’s changed world order. Many countries prioritize economic growth and political dominance over environmental sustainability, undermining global efforts to avert catastrophe.

• Failure of the Paris Agreement: At the 2025 Paris Climate Summit, no new binding emissions targets were agreed upon. The summit failed to generate momentum, with climate negotiations overshadowed by security concerns and trade disputes. Many developed nations, including Australia and Brazil, openly resisted calls to phase out fossil fuels. The U.S. significantly reduced its climate finance commitments, contributing only $3.1 billion in 2024, far short of its pledged $11 billion by 2025 under the Biden administration plan (Climate Policy Initiative).

• Backtracking Commitments: Countries like Canada and Japan have walked back their net-zero promises. Japan approved new coal subsidies in 2024, while Canada increased oil sands output by 9%—both actions contradicting their 2030 emissions targets (IEA).

• Economic Impact: In 2024 alone, climate-related disasters caused $300 billion in global economic losses, marking a 20% increase over the previous year (Munich Re).

• Deforestation Crisis: Brazil's Amazon rainforest—a vital carbon sink—is rapidly disappearing. 22% of its forest cover has been lost since 2020, according to Global Forest Watch. This not only releases more CO₂ but also destroys biodiversity.

• Vulnerable Populations: Countries like Bangladesh face existential threats. The World Bank estimates that floods could displace 19 million people by 2030 and cause $15 billion in annual damage.

• Pollution Surge: Despite promises of green energy, China built 45 GW of new coal plants in 2024 (Global Energy Monitor). Meanwhile, the U.S. move to exit the Paris Agreement again could add 1.8 billion tons of emissions by 2035 (Rhodium Group).

As world powers jostle for influence, collective climate action is being sidelined. The Paris Agreement is faltering due to weak enforcement and lack of political will. In this new global order, fragmented leadership and nationalistic agendas have eroded the ability of the UN to unify countries behind urgent climate goals.

3. Regional Fallout: A Closer Look on Climate Change

These global crises are manifesting in localized tragedies:

• Africa (Sudan): Armed conflict intensified due to drought and land disputes worsened by climate stress. Since 2023, over 200,000 deaths have been reported (NPR). On April 15, 2025, peace talks failed yet again.

• North America (United States): Wildfires in California and Arizona have already scorched 2.3 million acres in 2025, leading to $18 billion in damage and displacement of thousands (NOAA).

• Oceania (Australia): Severe coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef has affected more than 60% of the reef, threatening marine ecosystems and tourism (Australian Institute of Marine Science).

• South America (Chile): In early 2025, Chile faced its worst drought in 60 years, reducing agricultural output by 35% and triggering food shortages and protests in Santiago (FAO).

• Asia (India): India is facing increasing challenges from climate change. The impact of melting glaciers in the Himalayas poses an immediate threat to water resources for more than 1.9 billion people in the region, especially affecting India, Pakistan, and China. In the last decade, India has witnessed a sharp increase in extreme weather events: deadly heatwaves, devastating floods, and intense monsoons.

  • In 2025, India faced its most severe heatwave in recorded history, with temperatures soaring to 50°C (122°F) in certain regions, exacerbating water scarcity and crop failure (India Meteorological Department).

  • Flooding in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh displaced millions, while the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha suffered massive damage due to rising sea levels, impacting agriculture and livelihoods (NDTV).

  • Despite these alarming developments, India continues to struggle with balancing economic growth and environmental concerns. In 2024, the country approved a $14 billion plan to boost coal power, delaying its promise to reach net-zero by 2070, which raises concerns about its long-term climate commitments (International Energy Agency). India's heavy reliance on coal has made it the third-largest emitter of CO₂ globally, behind China and the U.S.

4. Global Perspectives: Climate Alarm and Public Mobilization

Public opinion is increasingly focused on climate change as the defining issue of our time:

• Climate Scientists warn that without a 50% emissions cut by 2030, the world risks triggering irreversible feedback loops—melting permafrost, forest dieback, and ocean current disruption.

• Development Agencies highlight that extreme weather events disproportionately affect low-income countries, setting back development goals by decades.

• The UN estimates that 200 million people could become climate refugees by 2050 due to heat, drought, and floods.

• Citizens and Activists are demanding change. Over 10 million people joined the 2025 Earth Day protests globally (The Guardian), urging governments to act faster and more seriously.

5. India’s Role in the Climate Crisis

India’s growing economy and development ambitions make it one of the critical players in global climate change efforts. However, its environmental policies and practices often reflect a struggle between economic growth and sustainability. As one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change impacts, India's contribution to emissions continues to climb as it develops, making it essential for the country to play a central role in global climate discussions.

While India has committed to net-zero emissions by 2070, the pathway to achieve this remains fraught with challenges. The scale of India’s coal industry—which continues to grow, especially in the face of energy demands—creates friction between its development goals and its obligations under international climate agreements. International pressure and cooperation on cleaner technologies will be crucial for India to meet its targets and reduce its growing carbon footprint.

Final Thoughts: A World at a Crossroads

From economic sanctions to burning forests, the signs are clear—we cannot afford to ignore the link between geopolitics and environmental collapse by climate change. Whether we’re discussing the global economic slowdown, millions forced to flee war zones, or the rising seas threatening our cities, the costs are mounting.